Bhutan: The Land of Serenity

by Matthieu Ricard

Tucked away between China and India in the heart of the Himalayas, Bhutan remains a relatively little-known country. Few photographers have been granted permission to enter this remote kingdom, where life quietly unfolds to the rhythm of tradition amid the magnificent, unspoiled landscape. Nearly twenty-five years ago, Matthieu Ricard went to Bhutan to study with Dilgo Khyenste Rinpoche, a highly revered Tibetan Buddhist master and teacher. During this time, he also came to know the royal family. He has continued to return to Bhutan throughout his life, discovering on each occasion more of its treasures. 184 color photographs

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction

232 pages, Hardcover

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.