Eduard Fischer takes us on an exploration of myth, art, science, and the sacred space of high mountains. This is an account of adventure and deep reflection accompanied by a selection of the author’s stunning colour photographs.
After first visiting the Trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh in 1985, he returned again and again, seeking to catch a glimpse of the phantom of the Himalayas – the elusive snow leopard. During these visits he became enthralled with the unique culture of this ancient mountain kingdom, one of the oldest enclaves of Buddhism.
The phantom cat itself becomes, at turns, Eduard’s quarry, nemesis, obsession, and finally, in a surprising twist of destiny, his teacher.
Table of Content
Introduction. Part 1. Dancing with Kali. The Reprieve. The Roof of the World. Why India?. The Watch. Beowulf and the Scooter. On the Ridge. Some Things I know about Cats. The Legacy of the Leopard. The Snow Leopard and the Bharal. The Fury. The Dream. Ahab and Coyote. Shiva’s Cave. Sacred Space. The Companion. The Punk Monk. Toward the Ganda La. The Return to Adventure. Dreamtime. The Marka River Crossing. Salzburg. Hankar. Down the Valley. Adrian, Noëlie, and Nathalie. The Scholar. The Hunt. The Parikshit Palace. Rishikesh. Part 2. The Return. The Gongmaru La. Sunrise. Part 3. Chasing the Light. Facing the Dragon. Shiva’s Drum. Conversations with Stanzin. The Summit. Awakening. Index.
About the author
Eduard Fischer, born in Vienna, Austria, is a writer, photographer, mountaineer, and lifelong traveler. By the time he was sixteen he had logged thousands of miles hitchhiking across Canada where he grew up. His past occupations include coastal seaman, beachcomber, horse guide, climbing instructor, rigger, movie stunt double, product designer, graphic artist, technical writer, and sculptor. Eduard has co-founded and managed several businesses including the well-known Edge Climbing Centre in North Vancouver, one of the first large scale climbing gyms in North America. Eduard has long had an interest in comparative religion and philosophy. Beginning at age eleven, he has had sojourns at a Benedictine cloister in Canada, a Zen monastery in Japan, and an ashram in India. When not traveling, Eduard lives with his wife and partner in adventure, Helen Habgood, in Squamish, BC.
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