Colin StumpTrekking up to Everest Base Camp in 2002, Colin was left 'dazed and confused' after visiting Tengboche Monastery and observing an afternoon prayer session. Sitting amidst the complex, colourful, and often disturbing iconography, Colin was at first beuiled by the rhythmic chant of the monks, but then assailed by discordant horns and clashing of cymbals. What was all that about? Subsequent years saw Colin pursue his passion for trekking and mountaineering, visiting Tibet, India, Bhutan, and Nepal on several occasions. And, keen to understand more of Tibetan Buddhism, he was often frustrated by the superficial knowledge of local guides and the overly academic or liturgical style of the many books on the subject. After a long career in brewing, pub-chains, cheese, and, most recently managing a global group of adventure travel companies, he retired in 2011. Continuing his adventures to ever more remote parts of the Himalaya and Tibet, including Upper Mustang, Spiti, and Gugé, he sought to get a proper understanding of Buddhist practise and ritual across this vast region. Being a 'non-practitioner' of religion, this proved to be no easy task, but writing a book on the subject meant a 'deep-dive' into this most complex of philosophical systems and the associated practise and ritual, even including a week spent in a monastery in the isolated Pin Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Married to Gillian, with two adult children and two grandchildren, Colin lives in rural Nottinghamshire. Now a keen cyclist, he continues with his abiding interest in the mountain regions of Asia, interspersed with more mundane pursuits like checking on the beer at his local pub. Read More Read Less