Saffron Robes (English, Hardcover, Hettige T.)

"Saffron Robes" presents a spectacular view of the beauty and spirituality of the lives of Buddhist monks around the world. More than 70 extraordinary images of compassion, joy and understanding are linked by a common thread - the saffron robe worn by the Buddhist monks. Tilak Hettige takes the reader from the majestic mountains of Bhutan to the ancient temples of Cambodia, to the remote villages in Myanmar, and to the serene countryside of Sri Lanka. Along this spectacular journey we meet spiritual leaders from Dharamsala (the seat of Tibetan Buddhism), novice monks embracing the Theravadha Buddhism in Thailand, and veteran stald monks meditating in the lonely forests of West Virginia in the US. Throughout the book, the story of the saffron robe is intertwined with simple explanations of Buddhist concepts and ceremonies. Tilak combines an intimate knowledge of Buddhism with a superb eye for composition and a fine sense of color. Explanatory notes on Buddhism provide non-Buddhists with an insight into one of the world's most important religions.