Drukpa Kunley (1455–1529), one of the most well-known saints of Bhutan, redefined the course of spiritual and religious pursuits through his unconventional paths to enlightenment. Believed by many to be a ‘divine madman’, he called himself an ‘aimless wandering yogi’, but there was an educative method to his madness and a transcendent wisdom to his aura. He was fiercely non-conformist, critiquing religious hypocrisy and describing it as a canker eating away at Buddha dharma. Despite not being from Bhutan, he left an indelible mark on Bhutanese culture, as evidenced by the popularity of the phallic symbol in the country.
In this book, Needrup Zangpo retells thirty-three tales about Drukpa Kunley from biographical and oral sources, some of them for the first time. With beautifully rendered illustrations accompanying each story, Drukpa Kunley: Sacred Tales of a Mad Monk is a perfect introduction to an iconic figure of Bhutanese culture.
Needrup Zangpo says, ‘This collection of most colourful stories about Drukpa Kunley, distilled from various biographical and oral sources, are retold in contemporary idiom through years of research. Through them, I present the much-loved maverick saint in the most intimate Bhutanese voice drawn from numerous tales told and retold around Bhutan. His tales will help us rediscover the basic wisdom and humour inherent to every human being.’
Udayan Mitra, Executive Publisher, HarperCollins says, ‘These fascinating stories about Drukpa Kunley, the mystical Tibetan travelling monk who is an iconic figure in Bhutan, should engage readers of all ages. We at HarperCollins are delighted to publish Needrup Zangpo’s wonderful account and hope it will find a widespread readership.’
PRAISE FOR DRUKPA KUNLEY
‘The medieval mystic Drukpa Kunley is loved and revered across the Himalaya. Needrup Zangpo’s work brings his magical and profound philosophy as a gift and benediction to readers.’
NAMITA GOKHALE
Author and festival director
‘Unfamiliar to most Westerners, Drukpa Kunley, the divine madman of Bhutan, is the most picaresque of the Dharma Lords. Under the appearance of a collection of tales and legends, this book is an invitation to discover his mischievous and yet most profound mind.’
DR THIERRY MATHOU
Ambassador of France to India
‘Accompanied by captivating illustrations, this book provides an insightful look at a historical figure, making it both informative and engaging.’
TSHERING TASHI
Writer and festival director, Bhutan Echoes
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Needrup Zangpo studied English, Indian and Greek literature in college. He taught himself research skills and the art and craft of journalism while working in Bhutan’s civil service and emerging media for two decades. He lives in Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, studying and meditating on Buddhist literature in classical Tibetan, as well as Bhutanese culture, history and literary traditions.
Launching January 30, 2025
Paperback | Non-fiction | 232 pp | INR 399
