Synopses & Reviews
“Tibet is the Roof of the World, a place where you feel that you arein the sky just as much as you are on the earth. The intense blueness of space contrasts sharply with the deep green of eastern Tibet’s rolling grasslands and the mineral colors of the west with its expanses of barren rock. For over a thousand years, Buddhist culture has been at the heart of Tibetan society, and anyone who has traveled across the high plateaux will understand how this contemplative civilization flourished in a landscape of such vastness.”—Matthieu Ricard, from the Introduction
Here Ricard seeks to bear witness to all that survives of that ancient world—a world capable of making a valuable contribution to contemporary life. He provides a glimpse of a unique culture that is desperately trying to preserve its authenticity, despite the major upheavals that have shaken the land of its birth.
Review
Has captured the spirituality, purity and courage of the people of Tibet, along with the beauty of their homeland.Matthieu’s spiritual life and his camera are one and the same, and it is from this unity that these fleeting yet eternal images spring. --Henri Cartier-Bresson
Review
"Matthieu’s spiritual life and his camera are one and the same, and it is from this unity that these fleeting yet eternal images spring." Henri Cartier-Bresson
Synopsis
Matthieu Ricard has lived in Nepal for over thirty years. During this time he has forged close ties with some of Buddhism’s greatest spiritual masters, from Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, for whom he is the official French interpreter.
Ricard’s status as a monk and his knowledge of the Tibetan people and culture have opened many doors to him: he has been able to follow pilgrimages made by the great lamas of eastern Tibet; to bear witness to the artistry of wood engravers at the gigantic, mysterious Dege printing press; and to meet hermit monks in extremely remote regions of Kham. These experiences and many others are recorded here in sublime color photographs.
Synopsis
“[Ricard’s] sensitive and joyful pictures are informed by his love of the region, its people and their religion.”—San Francisco Chronicle
Synopsis
“A unique combination of intimate close-ups, awe-inspiring landscapes, and ancient religious rituals. Unbelievably colorful.”—San Francisco Chronicle
Synopsis
“A unique combination of intimate close-ups, awe-inspiring landscapes, and ancient religious rituals. Unbelievably colorful.”—San Francisco Chronicle
Synopsis
“Tibet is the Roof of the World, a place where you feel that you arein the sky just as much as you are on the earth. The intense blueness of space contrasts sharply with the deep green of eastern Tibet’s rolling grasslands and the mineral colors of the west with its expanses of barren rock. For over a thousand years, Buddhist culture has been at the heart of Tibetan society, and anyone who has traveled across the high plateaux will understand how this contemplative civilization flourished in a landscape of such vastness.”—Matthieu Ricard, from the Introduction
Here Ricard seeks to bear witness to all that survives of that ancient world—a world capable of making a valuable contribution to contemporary life. He provides a glimpse of a unique culture that is desperately trying to preserve its authenticity, despite the major upheavals that have shaken the land of its birth.
About the Author
Matthieu Ricard has been the French interpreter for the Dalai Lama since 1989. His books include Bhutan and Tibet. Ricard lives in Nepal.
Exclusive Essay
Read an exclusive essay by Matthieu Ricard