So Close to Heaven

Book Description

In the remote kingdom of Bhutan, nestled among the towering Himalayas, an ancient Buddhist civilization continues to thrive in ways that have vanished elsewhere across the region. Barbara Crossette takes readers on an illuminating journey through this extraordinary land, where medieval traditions and spiritual practices remain vibrantly alive despite mounting pressures from the modern world.

Through vivid storytelling, Crossette reveals a society where monasteries and temples serve not merely as places of worship, but as centers of healing, justice, and community life. She guides us through landscapes of breathtaking beauty, from snow-capped peaks to lush valleys, where ornate buildings seem lifted from ancient fairy tales and Buddhist rituals continue to infuse daily existence with meaning and reverence.

Yet this spiritual haven faces unprecedented challenges. As Crossette documents, recent connections to the outside world bring both opportunities and threats. Tourism introduces new economic possibilities alongside cultural disruption, while open borders invite smuggling and other modern problems that test Bhutan's carefully preserved way of life.

This compelling exploration offers readers a rare glimpse into a functioning Buddhist society, examining how traditional wisdom confronts contemporary realities. For those seeking to understand how spiritual communities navigate change while preserving their essential character, Crossette provides both inspiration and sobering insight into the delicate balance between preservation and progress in our interconnected world.