Bhutan: The Land of Serenity

by Matthieu Ricard

“Color-drenched images . . . capture the vibrant rainbow palette of intricate Bhutanese weavings, ceremonial garb, painted pottery, and the ubiquitous wind-whipped prayer flags.” ― Passport Magazine Tucked away between China and India in the heart of the Himalayas, Bhutan remains a uniquely distinct country. Few photographers have been granted permission to reside in this long-inaccessible kingdom, now a democracy, where life quietly unfolds to the rhythm of traditions amid the magnificent, unspoiled landscape. Matthieu Ricard, a monk and photographer, spent eight years in Bhutan with Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, a revered Tibetan Buddhist master, and has continued to return to the “land of the thunder dragon” throughout his life, discovering on each occasion another of its invaluable treasures. His experiences are recorded here in this exceptionally beautiful book, a voyage to the heart of Bhutan, a land where spirituality and daily life are intimately linked. 184 color illustrations

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction

232 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Matthieu Ricard, a Buddhist monk, trained as a molecular biologist before moving to Nepal to study Buddhism. He is the author of The Monk and the Philosopher (with his father, Jean-François Revel); The Quantum and the Lotus (with Trinh Thuan); Happiness; The Art of Meditation; Altruism: The Power of Compassion; A Plea for the Animals; and Beyond the Self: Conversations between Buddhism and Neuroscience (with Wolf Singer). He has published several books of photography, including Motionless Journey and Tibet: An Inner Journey, and is the French interpreter for the Dalai Lama.

Reviews

[Squib · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mattieu, a convert to Buddhism, will take you on a photographic journey through Bhutan's culture in this book, with each chapter starting off with a short description of the broader cultural context about what you will see next. While the title of the book suggests a very peaceful set of photographic subjects and there certainly are plenty of calm, misty landscapes reminiscent of Hasegawa's Pine Trees, you will also witness immense, vibrant halls of painted statues of Buddhas; people caught within the trance of sacred dances; and monks with a sense of humor.

The only substantial criticism I have is that it is one sided due to Matthieu choosing to focus more on Monastic life. This in contrast to his photo-book on Tibet where he goes through rural, nomadic, monastic life and the wilderness of the country. Apart from that, a thoroughly enjoyable photo-book.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This beautifully photographed book provides insight into the period during which the Tibetan master Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche served as Bhutan's Buddhist spiritual master. The accompanying text covers aspects of the country's history, philosophy, religious ceremonies, culture and landscape. Much has happened in the country in the years following this period but it remains a solid introduction to this beautiful and complex country.

[Alison Stegert · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are wonderful photos and insights in the book, but it seemed to focus on one man, admittedly a high ranking monk, a little too heavily. That’s fine, but it’s not what I was expecting. I did enjoy reading about that man and his work, and I especially liked the photos that captured his warm personality. This worthwhile book provides a glimpse into an intriguing place and people, and I want to go there all the more!

[Sandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was hoping to see more of the countryside and a little less of the lamas.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great for "armchair" travel...those cliffs! Oh my!
Beautiful views. I need to read much more about that kind of Buddhism to fully appreciate the author's attention to that particular spiritual leader.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely thrilling photos throughout. Good springboard for introduction to Bhutan. Adult.