Upon a Himalayan hillside overlooking the city of Thimphu in the Kingdom of Bhutan, there exists a Buddhist Nunnery where a small group of nuns endures. The Anim pray for the benefit of all sentient beings and serve the pilgrims who come to pray with them.

I am a humanitarian photographer applying my creativity towards helping others and providing myself with a sense of purpose and fulfillment. I see, I experience, I feel, and I am inspired to photograph and share.

The Anim invited me to accompany them inside their temple as they perform archaic rituals, analyze scripture, and learn Buddhist philosophy. I was encouraged to join the Anim in the rituals of Saga Dawa, the most auspicious day of the year. It is the day Lord Buddha was conceived, born, defeated evil, gained enlightenment, and attained Nirvana. The concluding day of the event culminates in the unfurling and raising of the Guru Thangtong Gyalpo’s Thongdrel. An immense and gorgeous tapestry that bestows blessings to those who merely view it. Pilgrims travel for many days to join the Anim in prayer and witness the Thongdrel.

I was unprepared for the extraordinary experience of participating in their rituals. I am compelled to sit with my eyes closed because the rites are incredibly intense. I breathe in the aromatic smoke from burning incense, the rich taste of hot butter tea, the thunderous drums, the piercing notes of horns, and rising above it all, the melodious voices chanting prayers. My senses are wholly immersed, almost overloaded. Then when I am nearly satiated, I open my eyes and photograph.
A pilgrim appeals, “Please photograph me so that I may have a picture for when I die.” I accept the responsibility of preserving their image for posterity and oblige to their appeal. Word spreads, so I fulfill requests from additional members of the pilgrimage.

May all the prayers contained in this book influence you to bestow benefits and help upon others. All proceeds from this support the Anim.