TIPTOEING ALONG THE MAJESTIC PATH INTO THE KINGDOM OF SHANGRI_LA
At the crossroads of early tribes and kingdoms of Knowledge, with a long-standing history. In the heart of the mystical realm of the gods of the great Himalayas, steeped in the unexpected and the inaccessible—the concealed world-spanning ridge, the primordial Axis Mundi, offering distant Horizons of vision, wisdom, understanding, and reverence for ancestral Lands.
THERE, emerges the Kingdom of the Flying Dragon, shrouded in mysticism, wisdom, and a resplendent earthly and eternal Culture and History. Each moment promises a new, unique revelation in these daring and remote mountain ranges of untouched Nature, where ethereal hues of purity and sanctity embrace the Land of the Tiger’s Nest. An astonishing Monastery, nestled uniquely on a sheer cliff 900 meters (2,950 feet) above the Paro Valley. It is unfathomable how this masterpiece was constructed in 1692.
This is the time when any description is best left unspoken. An incredible feat of engineering, perched on the abrupt face of a cliff. Walking carefully and gently along this dreamlike, rugged, and multidimensional path—immersed in the teachings of Vajrayana—in its own enigmatic way becomes a Teacher, and every unexpected encounter becomes a precious lesson.
Unimaginable landscapes, unique dzongs (fortresses), ancient monasteries scattered throughout—dazzling architectural works of Art from bygone eras—stand as testaments to the country’s rich Buddhist heritage, adding ever-greater value to its culture and history.
The vibrant Buddhist and multicultural local festivals, held in even the most remote areas, are mesmerizing and awe-inspiring—indescribable earthly and eternal symphonies of Knowledge, aesthetics, movement, and music. Countless locals, dressed in the elegant traditional attire of Gho and Kira, embody the essence of spirituality—a blend of cultural tradition and deep devotion.
Their gestures of welcome embody values of acceptance, hospitality, offering, and familiarity—allowing you, with ease, to recognize, understand, and exchange something of the Essence, something of the inner Light of the atmosphere imbued with mystery, transcendence, dreams, and blessings.
These are moments of unspeakable joy and gratitude. Every minute is a lived experience of Life itself, in this land nestled on the edge of physical reality, where Simplicity reigns—a state of unspoken grace in the here and now, untouched by time.
All the images of my article have been diligently selected from my personal archives.
