MR1054 Temples in the mist

The temples of Sandokpalri (centre, on its rocky summit) and Taksang (right) emerging out of the morning mist. 2003.

Paro Taktsang, the “Tiger Lair”, one of the most spectacular sites in the Himalayas and the most venerated site in Bhutan, is a set of temples built in the 17th century on a vertiginous cliff.  The original cave was blessed by Padmasambhava, the famed master who brought Buddhism to Tibet in the 9th century. When Padmasambhava, visited the Paro Valley in Bhutan, it is said that he transformed himself into the wrathful form of Dorje Drollö and, riding upon a tigress, flew to a cave high in the cliff. There, he imparted profound teachings and initiations to several of his closest disciples. He then concealed there many profound teachings, known as "spiritual treasures" or termas, which were meant to be rediscovered and spread at appropriate times in history to benefit beings according to their needs. In the 17th century, the Bhutanese lama Tendzin Rabgye built several temples hanging in a seemingly miraculous way on the cliff face, with over a thousand feet of sheer precipice below. In 1998, the temples were almost enterily destroyed by fire and have been since rebuilt with great care, almost exactly as they were. 

Order online a photographic work of art, signed by the hand of Matthieu Ricard, buddhist monk, photographer and author. He has also been the French interpreter of His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama since 1989. Some of the photographs in his collection are printed in limited edition, signed, numbered and delivered with a certificate of authenticity.