Karma Ura, Director of the Centre for Bhutan Studies
"A captivating and splendid account of a complex nation on the cusp of tradition and modernity."
K. E. S. Kirby Dorji, writer/editor, United Nations consultant, longtime resident of Bhutan
"The blessings of Bhutan are many, including the appearance of this lyrical account of the country's unique and fascinating aspects."
About the Author
Russ and Blyth Carpenter have been partners in adventure for forty years. In addition to publishing books on natural history, they are active in many forms of public service. Their connection with Bhutan began with a trek and cultural tour in 1996 and quickly expanded into public service projects ranging from assisting a desktop publishing company and serving as the Internet publishers for the Centre on Bhutan Studies, to promoting silk and wool textiles and managing the construction and installation of two-way radio transceivers for one hundred remote Himalayan villages. Most of these projects were carried out without institutional sponsorship or intervention. Russ and Blyth currently lead tours to Bhutan, focusing on the remarkable culture of this unique and independent Buddhist kingdom.
Blessings of Bhutan FROM THE PUBLISHER
"Russ and Blyth Carpenter have been partners in adventure for forty years. They got to know each other when they were college students, during a backpacking trip to Asia. Both of them completed their degrees at Stanford and went on to Harvard for their graduate education. During the next phase of their lives, Russ worked as a business attorney and management consultant, and Blyth taught Asian history. They continued to visit remote areas of the world - as scuba divers, hikers, and earnest students of non-Western cultures." The authors now live in a log house in a Douglas Fir forest next to Oregon's McKenzie River. In addition to publishing books on natural history, they are active in many forms of public service. Their connection with Bhutan began with a trek and cultural tour in 1996 and quickly expanded into public service projects ranging from assisting a desktop publishing company and serving as the Internet publishers for the Centre for Bhutan Studies, to promoting silk and wool textiles and managing the construction and installation of two-way radio transceivers for one hundred remote Himalayan villages.
SYNOPSIS
Written by a husband and wife team that has been visiting the Himalayan nation since 1996, this volume presents 21 stand alone essays describing some of their experiences and what they learned about Bhutan's culture, history, and Buddhist traditions. Essays offer examinations on the national sport of archery, the practices of Tantric Buddhism, art and medicine, the consequences of religious belief on environmental policy, sexuality in Bhutanese culture, and the position of women. A number of color photographs from the authors' trips are also included. Annotation c. Book News, Inc.,Portland, OR
Art & Photography
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