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Monastic Tradition (Bhutan: Part 2)

Sep 30, 2024 Trips

I traveled to Bhutan for many reasons but it was the chance to meet and photograph the people that really made we want to visit. If you’ve followed along for any number of the previous 193 newsletters (or before), you’ll know that my photography has largely been landscapes and wildlife. No doubt those two have kept me busy, but I saw Bhutan as an opportunity to stretch my legs.

And stretch my legs I did. The vast majority of the photos I brought back were of people. However, Bhutan may have set unrealistic expectations. In many countries, street photography can be quite challenging. Here? They not only allowed it but encouraged it. Didn’t get the shot? No worries, they’ll let you take another. For example, we met three monks in an otherwise empty Dzong and our guide asked if they’d be willing to pose for a few shots. They looked at their watch, said they had ten minutes to spare, and graciously posed for us. No money exchanged. No annoyance. Just a willingness to help. This was true in touristy areas and non-touristy areas – everyone was so hospitable, so willing to help anytime they could. 

This week, I share the monastic side of the people we met. In a future newsletter, I’ll share photos of the others we met as well. 

One of my favorite photos of the trip. The young monk, taking a pause from reading, turns into the light coming in from a window.
We visited Lhuendrup Nunnery. These young nuns were very playful and loved joking around with us. Another photographer in our group lent them a camera to use. Here, they were posing for each other. The photos they took were pretty good…
Same nunnery as above. These dogs are largely stray but looked after by the nuns. 
A monk walking through a Dzong. 
Four monks on standby to play their Tibetan horns. They were waiting on one of the holiest people in Buddhism to emerge from a temple on a visit.
A large prayer wheel at Punakha Dzong. 
A young monk musician. 
Playing traditional drums in the temple. We weren’t always allowed to photograph inside, so the times we did were extra special.
He kicks, he scores. A competitive game of football in robes and sandals. 
A very young monk running across an empty courtyard at Rinpung Dzong. Made me wonder what he was in a rush for. 
A monk doing morning chores at Gangtey Goemba – A Nyingmapa (old school of Buddhism Monastery).
Champion sleeper. In a room with drums and horns blaring, this kid was dozing off. 

All photos from April 2024.

If you’re headed to Bhutan and need a guide, for photography or otherwise, please get in touch. I’d be happy to share my contacts.

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