Tibet: History, Culture, and Religion

by Constance Kassor (Narrator), The Great Courses

There are few regions that have been more misunderstood by the West than Tibet. It is still often portrayed in the West as the “Shangri-la” that was described in the 1933 novel Lost Horizon, one of the earliest references to Tibet in English-speaking culture. Westerners too often envision a mystical place full of happy, meditating monks and carefree nomads who use Tibetan singing bowls for healing and comfort and The Tibetan Book of the Dead to guide their journey from this life. But while the singing bowls are now ubiquitous in Tibetan tourist shops, scholars can find no original connection to Tibetan culture. And The Tibetan Book of the Dead that influenced so many Westerners in the 1960s and 1970s, from Carl Jung to the Beatles? Scholars today describe it as not Tibetan, not a book, and not about death.

In Tibet: History, Culture, and Religion, Professor Constance Kassor, will show you the real, multi-dimensional Tibet and its people who live on the “Roof of the World,” the highest and largest plateau on Earth. In 24 fascinating lectures, you will learn how Tibet’s history was shaped by kings and kingdoms, power struggles, religion, traditions, wars, peace, and the lifestyles that developed in response to living on the world’s highest plateau. You will meet the Buddha, the Dharma Kings, the fourteenth Dalai Lama, and more. Today, violent geopolitical struggles, modernism, and the exile of its religious leaders form an existential threat that few other regions face: This is the real Tibet.

Genres: History, Buddhism, Asia, Religion, Nonfiction

Audible Audio

Published January 1, 2023

Reviews

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook, free access through Audible Plus catalogue. I was interested in the topic but it took me over a month to finish this one as the book structure didn’t help me to stay interested. Nearly DNF’d it a few times. 2.5 stars rounded up.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Solid Introduction, but Lacks Depth

Tibet: History, Culture, and Religion by Constance Kassor provides a well-structured and accessible overview of Tibet’s rich history, spiritual traditions, and cultural heritage. The book does a great job of distilling complex topics into clear and engaging explanations, making it a great starting point for readers new to the subject. Kassor’s writing is informative and easy to follow, and she covers a broad range of topics, from Tibetan Buddhism to political history.

However, the book feels somewhat surface-level in places, especially for those looking for a more in-depth academic analysis. Some sections could have benefited from deeper exploration, particularly regarding Tibet’s political struggles and modern developments. While it serves as a good primer, more advanced readers might find it lacking in detail and nuance.

Overall, this is a well-written and insightful introduction to Tibetan history and culture, but it may leave readers wanting more. A solid 3.5-star read for those looking for a broad yet accessible overview.