Tibetan and Himalayan Library - THL

Description: Creator's Description: This is designed as an undergraduate textbook on Tibetan Buddhism. The general perspective is similar to that of Civilized Shamans, but the scale and detail are more appropriate for undergraduate usage, and the book includes supplementary material that will I hope be useful in that context. I have also taken the opportunity to cover a number of areas not dealt with in detail in the earlier book (e.g. gender, national identity, Tibetan Buddhism in the world today).

A companion website will be available shortly with further material, including links to videos and a set of powerpoints which includes full colour versions of the illustrations in the book. An e-book version is also forthcoming with Journal of Buddhist Ethics Online Books.

This lively introduction is the ideal starting point for students wishing to undertake a comprehensive study of Tibetan religion. It covers the development and influence of Tibetan Buddhism and the key schools and traditions, including Bon. Geoffrey Samuel helps students get to grips with a complex set of beliefs and practices and provides a clear sense of the historical, cultural and textual background. Important contemporary issues such as gender, national identity and Tibetan Buddhism in the world today are also addressed. Illustrated throughout, the book includes a chronology, glossary, pronunciation guide, summaries, discussion questions and suggestions for further reading that will aid understanding and revision. (2012-04-13)