Sentient Beings in the Kingdom of Bhutan

by Laurie S. Chambers

Overview

Tucked away in the Himalayan mountains is the peaceful kingdom of Bhutan. Its mystery and beauty is impossible to overlook as is the uncommon relationship that exists among the sentient beings of the region. Pure-hearted locals reside in harmony with every inhabitant of the land, as they, too, believe that all living beings have souls. In Bhutan, its residents abide by the wisdom of the Buddha who expounded that sentient beings currently living in the animal realm have been our family and friends in past incarnations. Therefore, stray dogs peacefully co-exist in the kingdom alongside humans and other animals. Through beautiful photography, original artwork, and other creative inspiration, the extraordinary bond between humans and dogs is highlighted as each species supports the other’s needs. In this inspirational tale of love, both humans and dogs are accorded respect as fellow sentient beings within a peaceful kingdom, demonstrating that loving compassion carries responsibility for all life.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781982232719
Publisher:	Balboa Press
Publication date:	08/21/2019
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	66
File size:	26 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Laurie S. Chambers is a free spirit with a gypsy soul who has spent over fifty years traveling the planet, searching for the heart of every community she explores. While seeking to understand the complexity of being human, she’s captured a global array of cultures, customs, and the traditions of indigenous people that create the uniqueness of every place on Earth. Laurie resides in Camarillo, California.

Editorial Reviews

2020-05-20
A photography book celebrates dogs and their cherished status in a Buddhist society.

Chambers, a world traveler, salutes the isolated Himalayan nation of Bhutan for its natural beauty and the “vibrations” imparted to its inhabitants by “the light and teachings of the Buddha.” Chief among these teachings is a reverence for all beings capable of feeling and suffering, especially dogs. The Bhutanese, she writes, believe that canines contain the reincarnated souls of human ancestors; thus, killing even strays is forbidden because it will prevent “that being from living out its Karma.” The book mainly consists of the author’s color photographs of Bhutanese dogs that indeed seem to have it pretty good. They loll happily about, resting on sidewalks, staircases, mountain pathways, and rocky outcroppings—and in gardens and fields and outside temples—lying unconscious on their sides or surveying the world in Sphinx-like postures of alert repose, occasionally allowing a human to pet them. The mutts are a motley black and white and tan, ears pointed or floppy, some of them embodying Buddhist virtues according to the captions. “Attentiveness” is illustrated by a dog with its ear cocked; “trust” by a pooch sleeping peacefully under a car in disregard of the danger of being run over; and “love” by an adorable canine gazing into the camera with golden, liquid eyes. Some photos have other subjects, including karmically underprivileged pack mules and, of course, humans, who appear in a number of portraits featuring Bhutanese laypeople and monks in colorful traditional garments. The images skillfully showcase the variety and grandeur of the Bhutanese terrain, with its majestic snow-capped peaks, wide skies, piney hillsides, and verdant valleys. Chambers’ photos are notable for a slight blurriness and an unusual color palette, with the green of foliage being washed out while throbbing blues dominate in clothing, distant landscapes, shadows, and even black fur. It’s a striking effect that looks almost ultraviolet and gives many of the photos an eerie charge. Her compositions are not the most inspired—just pooches lounging around—but they will look like nirvana to some connoisseurs of canine glory.

An attractive coffee-table album of canine photos with a vibrant and spiritually uplifting setting.

Kirkus Reviews