SAFFRON ROBES

Saffron Robes presents a spectacular view of the beauty and spirituality of the lives of Buddhist monks around the world. More than 70 extraordinary images of compassion, joy and understanding are linked by a common thread -- the saffron robe worn by the Buddhist monks.

Tilak Hettige takes the reader from the majestic mountains of Bhutan to the ancient temples of Cambodia, to the remote villages in Myanmar, and to the serene countryside of Sri Lanka. Along this spectacular journey we meet spiritual leaders from Dharamsala (the seat of Tibetan Buddhism), novice monks embracing the Theravadha Buddhism in Thailand, and veteran staid monks meditating in the lonely forests of West Virginia in the US.

Throughout the book, the story of the saffron robe is intertwined with simple explanations of Buddhist concepts and ceremonies. Tilak combines an intimate knowledge of Buddhism with a superb eye for composition and a fine sense of color. Explanatory notes on Buddhism provide non-Buddhists with an insight into one of the world’s most important religions.

Tilak Hettige grew up in Sri Lanka and was attracted to the art of photography from an early age. He first began to work in the photography industry in 1980 in Sri Lanka. In 1984, he moved to the United States to study and work; first in Boston and then in Washington, D.C. By then, his interest in photography had grown into a profession, nurtured by his enthusiasm and commitment.

Tilak has traveled to more than 35 countries and worked on numerous and varied photographic assignments. His work has been published in several media and also as creative fine arts both in the United States and internationally. Fine arts images from his many solo exhibitions can be found in several prominent private collections across the globe.