Reading Lists

Guidebooks:

Lonely Planet – Bhutan

The best and most up-to-date guide for travel related information.
Armington, Stan (1998)Lonely Planet, Australia

Odyssey Guides – Introduction to Bhutan

Comprehensive guide with better pictures and cultural information.
Pommaret, Francoise (1991) Odyssey, Hong Kong

Accounts:

Folktales of Bhutan

Stories documenting Bhutan’s rich oral tradition.
Choden, Kunzang (1993)White Lotus, Bangkok

Bhutanese Tales of the Yeti

Follow up to Folktales of Bhutan.
Choden, Kunzang (1997)White Lotus, Bangkok

So Close to Heaven: The Vanishing Buddhist Kingdoms of the Himalayas

Excellent journalistic account with a religious focus.
Crossette, Barbara (1995)Alfred Knopf, New York

Mission to Bhutan: a Nation in Transition

The experiences of an Indian diplomat in the late 1960s.
Das, B. S. (1995)South Asia Books

Kingdoms Beyond the Clouds: Journeys in Search of the Himalayan Kings

Interviews with the Himalayan monarchs.
Gregson, Jonathan (2000)Macmillan, London

The Hero with the Thousand Eyes

Story of a courtier serving the Second King.
Ura, Karma (1995)Thimphu

Of Rainbows and Clouds

Family history of Their Majesties the Queens of Bhutan.
Wangchuck, HM Ashi Dorji Wangmo (1999)London

Beyond the Sky and the Earth: A Journey into Bhutan

Experiences of a Canadian volunteer.
Zeppa, Jamie (1999)Macmillan, London

Studies:

Bhutan: The Early History of a Himalayan Kingdom

Bhutanese history up to the 15th Century.
Aris, Michael (1979)Serinda, Warminster

The Raven Crown: The Origins of Buddhist Monarchy in Bhutan

Biography of a 20th Century Himalayan monarchy.
Aris, Michael (1994)Serinda, London

Bhutan: Aspects of Culture and Development

Respective authors tackle aspects of traditional culture and modernization.
Aris, M & Hutt M. (eds.) (1994)Gartmore, Kiscadale

Bhutan: Perspectives on Conflict and Dissent

Various perspectives on the Southern Problem of the early 1990s.
Hutt, Michael (eds) (1994)Gartmore, Kiscadale

Bhutan 2020: A Vision of Peace, Prosperity and Happiness

Royal Government of Bhutan Government vision for the future of Bhutan.
Planning Commission (1999)

The Politics of Bhutan

The Bhutanese political system (of the mid-seventies).
Rose, Leo (1977)Cornell University Press

Bhutan: Mountain Fortress of the Gods

Collection of experts provide excellent introduction to Bhutan.
Schicklgruber, C & Pommaret, F (eds.) (1997)Serindia, London

What Makes You Not a Buddhist
Author: Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse
Here at last is a crisp new voice in Tibetan Buddhism. Khyentse, a lama from an influential family and Buddhist lineage in Bhutan, is also a filmmaker, responsible for the sleeper hit The Cup, about a group of Tibetan monks obsessed with soccer. The monk brings the same multicultural fluency to his first book. He can make references to Viagra and Camilla Parker-Bowles as easily as he can tell stories of the Buddha’s life. With confidence tempered by wit, he cuts to the core of Buddhism: four “seals”—truths—that make up a Buddhist “right view” of the world and existence. This book is not, repeat not, about meditation. Instead, it looks at everyday life through a Buddhist lens, understanding happiness and suffering from that perspective. Enlightenment ends suffering but also trumps happiness. Khyentse writes persuasively about the importance of understanding emptiness: disappointment lessens, expectations soften, and change is not a shock. There is much food for thought in this short book for Buddhist students and for anyone interested in the ongoing adaptation of traditional Eastern wisdom into postmodern Western settings. “You can change the cup,” Khyentse writes, “but the tea remains pure.” [Source: Amazon.com]

Movies / DVDs

Travellers & Magicians

Actors: Tsewang Dandup, Sonam Lhamo, Lhakpa Dorji, Deki Yangzom, Sonam Kinga
Directors: Khyentse Norbu

Mystical journeys of spiritual discovery are set against the spectacular, evocative landscape of the remote kingdom of Bhutan in TRAVELLERS & MAGICIANS Young government official Dondup (Tshewang Dendup) dreams of escaping to America while stuck in a ravishingly beautiful but isolated village. But when he misses his bus to the city (and an awaiting visa), Dondup is forced to hitchhike with an elderly apple seller, a sage young monk, an old man, and his beautiful daughter (Sonam Lhamo). Along the way, the mischievous monk tells Dondup a story of another young man who sought a land far away: a tale of lust, jealousy and murder that holds up a mirror to the restless Dondup and his blossoming attraction to the innocent young woman. Directed by Khyentse Norbu (AKA Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, one of Himalayan Buddhism’s most revered lamas who made his feature directing debut with the monks-who-soccer sleeper THE CUP), this critical and box-office hit magnificently intertwines twin love stories for an enchanting, unforgettable film that is filled with heart, hope and humor.

The Cup

Actors: Jamyang Lodro, Orgyen Tobgyal, Neten Chokling
Directors: Khyentse Norbu

World Cup soccer fever sweeps into a remote Himalayan monastery and centuries-old traditions are threatened the young monks will do just about anything to watch the final match, posing a unique challenge to the venerable lamas in charge. An inspiring tale of colliding cultures, midnight escapades and daring secret plots…