Ascent of the Thunder Dragon

The Surprising Spiritual Life and Legacy of Bhutan’s Founder

By: Sasha Wakefield

Narrated by: Erin Humphrey Konuma

Sasha Wakefield intertwines the life and legacy of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (1594-1651) with her own personal spiritual journey as she explores Bhutan’s rich history.

The seventeenth century was a pivotal time for the tiny but culturally vibrant kingdom of Bhutan—marked especially by the life of the influential political and spiritual leader Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (1594-1651), including his remarkable past lives. Sasha Wakefield traces the life and profound spiritual accomplishment of this master in the context of her own spiritual journey from Australia to Bhutan. While unveiling the cultural and spiritual landscape of Bhutan, Wakefield delves into the fundamental Buddhist concepts of reincarnation, karma, bodhisattvas, buddhas, and enlightenment to underscore the significance of Zhabdrung’s spiritual attainment, including reaching the tenth bhumi, or level, of a bodhisattva, and deliberately choosing his own rebirth.

During Zhabdrung’s time as early nation-builder of the kingdom and state of Bhutan, he faced adversity and attacks from adversaries but responded with meditation, diplomacy, and unwavering commitment to serve the people of Bhutan. Wakefield shows the nature of ritual and ceremony that are inherent in the history of the Bhutanese state, weaving in the verse texts of liturgies and praises for the offering ceremonies and consecrations that were central to establishing the Drukpa Kargyu Buddhist lineage in Bhutan and establishing Bhutan as a sovereign land.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2025 Sasha Wakefield (P)2025 Shambhala Publications

Inspiring Lama and History

Zhabdrung’s life was deeply inspiring. I appreciated the author’s thorough account. The narrator was disappointing. I would describe her style as “emotion-free” and “ plodding”. And she mispronounced his name. Oy.