Indo-Tibetan Buddhism: Indian Buddhists and their Tibetan Successors

Bangkok: Orchid Press, 2004. This volume provides a comprehensive survey of Indian Buddhism and its subsequent establishment in Tibet, where it was transferred more or less complete preceding its demise in northern India in the thirteenth century AD. It is especially informative on the tantric period of Buddhist theory and practice from the eighth to the thirteenth centuries, but also deals at length with the earlier evolution of Buddhist doctrines, the 'Three Turnings of the Wheel', during the first thousand years. Thereafter, the author deals mainly with the Buddhist conversion of Tibet. He emphasizes the great importance played by the kingdoms of Central Asia along the ancient Silk Route in the gradual process of Tibetan conversion. Acknowledging his debt to other scholars of this little-known part of the world, Professor Snellgrove draws upon original sources to illustrate the cultural changes that came over Tibet as a result of its rule from the seventh to ninth centuries of an extensive Central Asian Empire, a period of their history largely forgotten by the Tibetans themselves when they later embarked upon the wholesale absorption of Buddhism from its Indian source, in the period up to the thirteenth century. Illustrations include iconographic art as well as photographs of historical interest. 'David Snellgrove's systematic exposition of Buddhism in India and Tibet is the culmination of a great scholar's lifelong study of a vast subject. It is a tour de force whose monumental scope and devotion to detail make it a major contribution to the field of Asian studies in general and to Buddhist studies in particular . . .bound to become a classic'.-Jose Ignacio Cabezon, Journal of Asian Studies. 666 pp., 123 b&w plates, 5 maps, bibliography, index. A new/unread copy. . Second edition. Hard Cover. New/New. 24.5 x 17.5 cm.