To the Light: A Journey Through Buddhist Asia

Sharon Collins shows a real talent in capturing these unusual images. Each image evokes interest in the subjects: what are they doing? why are they doing it? what does it mean to be Buddhist? An excellent collection.

This is an enchanting book. The pictures simultaneously sparkle with fascinating subjects and evoke trance-like timelessness. But there is something else that is special. The photos exhibit an intimacy with her many subjects that belies the patience of someone not fearing that this is her only life:) The monks and other Buddhists seem to be ignoring her entirely. The travel stories in the endnotes reinforce the character of rugged temperance that we might guess the photographer to possess. The photographer shares with these devoted people an appreciation for the sacred landscapes of South and Southeast Asia.

I loved Sharon Collins's book! Having traveled in many of the countries she photograhed, I was immediately transported back to enjoy the amazing landscapes and intimate protraits of daily life in Nepal, Tibet, Thailand, and Myanmar. Buddhism is beautifully depicted, not just as a religion, but as an integral part of everyday life. Ms. Collins has accomplished an important goal through her photography. I felt as if I were traveling again in her footsteps through Buddhist Asia.

Ms. Collins' book, with its vivid photographs and excerpts of Buddhist philosophy, will enlighten and refresh you. Are you having a particularly stressful holiday season? Are you having a hard time in your life? Sit down with "To the Light" and be transported to Buddhist Asia and a more accepting, peaceful and long-lived philosophy than we in the West are accustomed to. This is a beautiful book which you will pick up again and again -- I know I will.

The reader/viewer is gently led along a path filled with beauty humor love comfort and peace. Stylistically each photograph displays a compassionate understanding and depth of feeling for these areas of the world seemingly untouched by modernity ... simple, still and open.