Enchanted by Bhutan
““The outside world’s reactions to Bhutan tend to swing between two extremes - it is perceived either as a paradise on earth or as a country completely isolated from the rest of the world and trapped in a time warp.””
Lopon Pema-la with the author in the 1980’s
Devotees taking blessing from the thongdrol at Nyimalung monastery
This is a memoir style book written by Dr. Yoshiro Imaeda, a well reputed Buddhist scholar. He worked as an advisor for the National Library of Bhutan for 10 years (from 1981-1990), and writes with a refreshing perspective of his experience and connection with the country. He combines his scholastic knowledge and candid insights with great sensitivity as he discusses Bhutan’s transition from a medieval country into the 21st century.
The two most featured people in his book are the Fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, to whom he also dedicates the book, and his teacher, Lam Pema-la, one of the most respected and knowledgeable monk-historians in the country
