Matthew T. Kapstein

What does Tibetan Buddhism teach? Just what is the position of the Dalai Lama, and how will his succession be assured? This Very Short Introduction offers a brief account responding to these questions and more, in terms that are easily accessible to those who are curious to learn the most essential features of Tibetan Buddhist history, teachings, and practice.

Tibetan Buddhism: A Very Short Introduction

Kurtis R. Schaeffer

Gray Tuttle

The most comprehensive collection of Tibetan works in a Western language, this volume illuminates the complex historical, intellectual, and social development of Tibetan civilization from its earliest beginnings to the modern period. Including more than 180 representative writings, Sources of Tibetan Tradition spans Tibet's vast geography and long history, presenting for the first time a diversity of works by religious and political leaders; scholastic philosophers and contemplative hermits; monks and nuns; poets and artists; and aristocrats and commoners. The selected readings reflect the profound role of Buddhist sources in shaping Tibetan culture while illustrating other major areas of knowledge. Thematically varied, they address history and historiography; political and social theory; law; medicine; divination; rhetoric; aesthetic theory; narrative; travel and geography; folksong; and philosophical and religious learning, all in relation to the unique trajectories of Tibetan civil and scholarly discourse. The editors begin each chapter with a survey of broader social and cultural contexts and introduce each translated text with a concise explanation. Concluding with writings that extend into the early twentieth century, this volume offers an expansive encounter with Tibet's exceptional intellectual heritage.

Sources of Tibetan Tradition

Charles Ramble

"The Tibetan Gesar epic, considered "the world's longest poem," has been the object of countless retellings, translations, and academic studies in the two centuries since it was first introduced to European readers. In The Many Faces of Ling Gesar, its many aspects-historical, cultural, and literary-are surveyed for the first time in a single volume in English, addressed to both general readers and specialists. The original scholarship presented here, by international experts in Tibetan Studies, honours the contributions of Rolf A. Stein (1911-1999), whose studies of the Tibetan epic are the enduring standard in this field. Contributors are: Anne-Marie Blondeau, Chopa Dondrup, Estelle Dryland, Solomon George FitzHerbert, Gregory Forgues, Frances Garrett, Frantz Grenet, Lama Jabb, Matthew W. King, Norbu Wangdan, Siddiq Wahid, Wang Guoming, Yang Enhong"--

Tibetan and Central Asian Studies in Homage to Rolf A. Stein

The Many Faces of King Gesar

This book provides a clear and comprehensive introduction to Tibet,its culture and history. A clear and comprehensive overview of Tibet, its culture andhistory. Responds to current interest in Tibet due to continuingpublicity about Chinese rule and growing interest in TibetanBuddhism. Explains recent events within the context of Tibetanhistory. Situates Tibet in relation to other Asian civilizations throughthe ages. Draws on the most recent scholarly and archaeologicalresearch. Introduces Tibetan culture – particularly socialinstitutions, religious and political traditions, the arts andmedical lore. An epilogue considers the fragile position of Tibetancivilization in the modern world.

The Tibetans

This book explores the Buddhist role in the formation of Tibetan religious thought and identity. In three major sections, the author examines Tibet's eighth-century conversion, sources of dispute within the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, and the continuing revelation of the teaching in both doctrine and myth.

Matthew T. Kapstein

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