Introducing Tibetan Buddhism

by Geoffrey Samuel

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.

Genres: Buddhism, Religion, Nonfiction

296 pages, Paperback

First published June 30, 2012

Reviews

[Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you read my reviews, you know I tend to enjoy the World Religions series by Routledge. This book, the latest one I've read in the series, is no different. It features an in-depth look at a very specific, and different, branch of Buddhism, namely Tibetan Buddhism (in case you couldn't guess) Tibetan Buddhism isn't only practiced in Tibet, especially since many lamas fled the region in 1959, but also traditionally practiced in Mongolia, Burma, as well as other areas around the Tibetan Plateau.

This book outlines the various aspects of the history and beliefs of Tibetan Buddhism, from how the religion first came to Tibet, and the founding of three other schools several hundred years later. It talks about mandalas, mantras, and Tantra, explaining all of them and their purpose in the overarching goal of Buddhism of liberation (for the self or for all sentient beings in Mahayana). It talks about how Tibetan Buddhism is a 'practical' religion as well as gender roles, and it has a chapter dedicated to the different types of lamas, including hereditary and reincarnating ones. The last chapter details Tibetan Buddhism since the modern era, focusing a lot on its introduction to the world stage since 1959. The book also discusses controversies in the religion, not only showing the good side, but that even disagreements and other issues can arise.

What is more, is this book had perhaps the most extensive Bibliography section of any I have read. At least 10 books/articles were listed at the end of each chapter, and often more. It is a very well done work and makes it easy for readers to go through and find more material that focuses more specifically on their interests.

There is a lot of untranslated terms that some would call jargon, and a lot of references to things already discussed (Though the author is usually kind enough to point the reader to the pertinent chapter), but that will happen with any in-depth introduction book that doesn't constantly wish to translate original terms. Overall, this is a great book, and one of my favorites in the series, though I would recommend reading a primer on Buddhism in general (and non of that Atheistic Buddhism type stuff!) just to get a little background before reading it.

[Jessica Zu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an awesome textbook in teaching upper level undergraduate course.