EPISODE 21: BUDDHISM, A BUS CRASH AND THE DALAI LAMA

Can faith give you perspective even in the most extreme travel situations?

In 2010, Jurek Schreiner, a photographer, having completed his studies at the Shedra: College for Buddhist Studies in Nepal, was invited with his future wife, Greta Williams, to Bhutan to participate in the 2nd event of the Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche Centennial Celebrations. To get there, they caught an overnight bus from Kathmandu to the eastern border town of Karkavitta. Traversing across dangerous mountain passes, they were relieved when they finally hit the relative safety of the flat plains of the Terrai region in the south of Nepal. But fate had other ideas, and the bus overturned on the road just before dawn.  Jurek, suffering from head injuries, was eventually taken to a local hospital to be operated on, but even there they faced challenges including language barriers, sanitation issues and being caught up in a Maoist strike.  

We also discuss how their faith helped them cope, the effect the accident had on their relationship and Jurek’s work with His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Jurek Schreiner is a photographer & passionate about outdoor action sports & the teachings of the Buddha.  He’s photographed His Holiness the Dalai Lama on 3 separate occasions & some of this material has been part of an ongoing world exhibit: http://tulkus1880to2018.net/exhibition/ You can find Jurek at https://www.lookofjoyphotography.com and also on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jurek.schreiner

Greta Williams has travelled and lived overseas on and off for a couple of decades after completing a Medical Anthropology degree with a focus on Pre-med. While travel has slowed down as a mom and business owner, it is still an important part of how she recharges, connects with friends around the world, & feeds her soul by learning and exploring different places and cultures. You can find Greta at acupuncturefamilycare.com and also on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/greta.williams.37

Production (for this episode)

Creator, producer, writer and host: Ruth Millington
Music credit: Epic Orchestra - Blockbuster Adventure Music by JuliusH

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