TO GO WITH Bhutan-religion-society-Buddhism-monks,FEATURE by Rachel O'BRIEN
TO GO WITH Bhutan-religion-society-Buddhism-monks,FEATURE by Rachel O'BRIEN In this photo taken on June 4, 2013 Buddhist monks light a fire as part of a ceremony for a break in the monsoon rains at the Dechen Phodrang Monastery in Thimphu. The ceremony was requested by the office of the King of Bhutan. Bhutan -- nestled in the Himalayas and flanked by both India and China -- is renowned for its rich Buddhist culture, and villages are still steeped in its traditions. Protecting the Buddhist culture is a key pillar of Bhutan's unique "Gross National Happiness" development model, which aims to balance spiritual and mental well-being with economic growth. AFP PHOTO/Roberto SCHMIDT