A journey can be many things. My journeys introduced me to Drukpa Kunley the irreverent patron saint of Bhutan. He understood that the easiest path to enlightenment was through surprise and humor. Through the constant use of his "magic thunderbolt," Kunley would shock people away from life's distractions. Many Bhutanese attribute the importance of the phallus to the "madcap lama" and his exploits through the western half of the Himalayan kingdom during the 15th and 16th centuries. The demons and ogres of the day didn't stand a chance against the magic thunderbolt of the Divine Madman; nor did his female disciples! To this day, devotees of Kunley adorn their buildings and houses with phallic paintings. Even children and domestic animals use the phallic tailsmans to enjoy protection from hostile spirits. This artistic tradition is ubiquitous throughout Bhutan, land of Gross National Happiness. It's about time Western culture is exposed to this art so that at least momentarily one's attachments are forgotten and the mind is set free!!

The secret biography of one of the Tibet's foremost saints, The Buddha Drukpa Kunley who is recognised as an incarnation of the great Mahasiddha, Saraha

Peter. Pecker. Wiener. Dick. Schlong. Penis. Whatever we choose to call it, the penis is more than just a body part. This A-to-Z encyclopedia explores the cultural meanings, interpretations, and activities associated with the penis over the centuries and across cultures. Scholars, activists, researchers and clinicians delve into the penis in antiquity, in art, in religion, in politics, in media, in music, and in the cultural imagination. They examine the penis as a problem, a fetishized commodity, a weapon, an object of play. Penile décor and fashions—from piercings to koteka—are treated with equal dignity. Explanation of common medical terms and not-so-common subcultural practices add to the broad scope of the book. Taken together, the Cultural Encyclopedia of the Penis offers refreshing, thoughtful, and wide-ranging insight into this malleable, meaningful body part.

Tucked away in the eastern end of the Himalayas lies Bhutan: a tiny, landlocked country bordering China, India, and Nepal. One of the most remote places in the world, Bhutan is rich in natural beauty, exotic landscapes, and ancient wisdom, where people are genuinely happy with very few material possessions and the government embraces "Gross National Happiness" instead of Gross National Product. As one of the few Americans to have lived in Bhutan, Linda Leaming offers a rare glimpse at the peaceful mountain kingdom so many have only dreamed of. For over ten years, Leaming has lived and taught in the small town of Thimphu, where there are fewer than 100,000 people and no traffic lights. "If enlightenment is possible anywhere," she writes, "I think it is particularly possible here." The Bhutanese way of life—quieter, slower, and more tranquil—can seem daunting to most Westerners, consumed with time, dates, speed, and efficiency. In Bhutan, people rarely check their e-mail and take their time answering their telephones. But, as Leaming shows us, a little patience—over a cup of warm tea and friendly conversation—can help soothe the most distressed mind and soul. In this funny, magical memoir, Leaming takes us with her on her travels through South Asia, sharing her experiences as she learns the language, customs, and religion; folklore of a revered Tibetan holy man who gave blessings to the people by whacking them on the head with a big wooden phallus; her unlikely romance with a Buddhist artist; and her discoveries about the unexpected path to happiness and accidental enlightenment, where true bliss resides. Married to Bhutan is a reminder that following our dreams is the way to be truly happy.

The Oxford Handbook of Contemporary Buddhism offers a comprehensive collection of work by leading scholars in the field. They examine the historical development of Buddhist traditions throughout the world, from traditional settings like India, Japan, and Tibet, to the less well known regions of Latin America, Africa, and Oceania.

Updated November 2022 with the latest tourism policy by the Department of Tourism, Bhutan. Until recently, Bhutan has been relatively unknown. In many minds, it is a mystical secluded place. Bhutan is gaining popularity as a travel destination, owing to the credits of international media features and Bhutan’s skilful management of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past fifty years, Bhutan has gradually emerged from centuries-long self-isolation to meet modernisation demands. It has been careful with its choices and decisions on the road of development and progression. While Bhutan has opened its doors to the world, a ‘High value, Low volume’ tourism policy still guides the country to ensure that its unique culture, identity and natural environment will continue to be protected from external influence. Bhutan Travelog aims to provide readers with insights into the country’s history, values, customs, as well as travel tips and recommendations. This book also includes 9 exclusive first-hand stories from diverse travellers who have been to Bhutan to provide a glimpse into this idyllic country. Get more information from the official website - www.BhutanTravelog.com