Sources of Tibetan Tradition

by Kurtis R. Schaeffer (Editor), Matthew T. Kapstein (Editor), Gray Tuttle (Editor)

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.

Genres: Religion, Buddhism, History

856 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Tony Gualtieri · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extensive and readable anthology of brief excerpts from literary, political, religious, philosophical, and historical documents covering the whole of Tibetan society. Among other delights, I enjoyed reading the Tibetan version of the Ramayana, a remarkably sophisticated "Imperial Decree on Translation" written c.800 CE and far in advance of anything in contemporary Europe, the female treasure hunter Sera Khandro's account of discoveries in Amnye Machen, Adrup Gönpo's travelogue of early 20th century France, the contrasting impressions of the early British Everest climbers and the lama of Rongbuk monastery (Ngawang Tendzin Norbu), and the opportunity to read excerpts from the documents from the earliest period of written Tibetan uncovered in Cave 17 at Dunhuang by Wang Yuanlu and disseminated by the pioneering explorers of the Taklamakan desert, Marc Aurel Stein and Paul Pelliot. As is often the case, I can't help but feel the Bön are somewhat marginalized, nevertheless this is vital stuff for anyone interested in this fascinating culture.