Tag Archives: Monks

Bhutan – A Gallery of Photos

I had dreamed about Bhutan… mesmerized by the thought of its majestic mountains and mystery.  Experiencing it finally in person, I found it to be full to brimming with radiance.  Its people and environment warm and absorbing, magical. Gross National Happiness a real thing to strive for, not money and things. Spirituality and prayer, quiet, respect for elders and the land.  Bhutan left a deep impression that walks with me still and always will. I treasure the time there and all it left inside me.

Click onto any individual image below to see a full size version… use arrows to see each in full size.

The Poor, The Poets and Monks

“I stand before you tonight to represent the people who do not count: The poor, the poets, and monks. As long as there are people who are trying to realize the divine in themselves, there shall be hope in the world.”

—Thomas Merton

Prayer Flags2

Thomas Merton distills the experience of being human in this life.  He was a Trappist monk of the Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky.

As a writer, poet, activist and continual student of comparative religion, he wrote timeless words that continue to resonate and teach.  The quote above is from the closing he gave to an interfaith conference in Calcutta in 1968.  Thomas Merton transitioned from this life a few days after he spoke these words.

Young Monk