TIBET
Between Heaven and Earth
Written and Photographed by Peter Grieder
Introduction by the Dalai Lama
175 color photos, 188 pages, 9 x 11½, cloth, $39.95 1-57416-065-6

Tibet: Between Heaven and Earth is a very personal book. It is the outcome of the author’s own search for truth. In order to let the reader participate in his quest, Peter Grieder tried to put the photographs and texts together in such a way that an inner context, a kind of thread on which the beads are strung, is presented. He guides the contemplative reader and observer from the outside to the inside on a journey through Ladakh, Zanskar, Bhutan and Tibet. The journey starts with images of flowers, lakes, children and landscapes. It ends with the Tibetan Book of the Dead. As in a mandala, the path begins on the periphery and ends in the guarded secret of the center.

From the Foreword by the Dalai Lama: “Peter Grieder has traveled from his home in the mountains of Europe and found inspiration among the great Himalayas. What unites the people that he met in Ladakh, Zanskar, Bhutan and Tibet is a remarkable sense of fortitude and contentment derived largely from a common culture rooted in Buddhism. One of the key elements of Buddhist teachings is the importance of the inner journey. No matter what external developments we may make in our world or what magnificent things we may see in it, without a corresponding inner development we will not find the happiness we ultimately seek. However, if each of us can journey within and develop a warm heart towards others and calm in our minds, there lies real hope for peace and joy in the world.”

Praise for the European editions of Tibet: Between Heaven and Earth:

“An illustrated book of intoxicating beauty” (Connection, Munich)

“...To the author must be attributed masterly authority regarding his knowledge of Tibet and the Tibetan conception of the world as well as his ability in explaining these. He is well able to communicate this deep knowledge while at the same time concentrating on the essentials. His representation of Buddhism reflects expert understanding of both theory and practice, which he is able to explain lucidly. This is the most exhaustive account I have ever seen on the subject in such limited space. The whole book, including the quintessence of Buddhism, is impressively accompanied by lavish color photography; a brilliant achievement by the author and his publishing house.” (Der Trotter, Pfinzthal / Helmstedt)