Introducing Tibetan Buddhism

Geoffrey Samuel is a Professor in the School of History, Archaeology and Religion at Cardiff University, UK, and an experienced teacher of Tibetan religion.

"Geoffrey Samuel provides a welcome introduction to Tibetan Buddhism and the religious history of Tibet. Concise, lucid, and authoritative, this is one of the best and most useful introductions available to date. It will no doubt become an indispensable reference for students"- Bryan J. Cuevas, Florida State University, USA"This book highlights the practical dimensions of the religious culture of Tibet. Samuel provides a current and accessible guide to the roles Buddhism plays in the lives of Tibetan people, as identities of place and religion continue to be negotiated as Tibetan Buddhism is defined in the contemporary world." - Douglas S. Duckworth, East Tennessee State University, USA

• List of Figures. Chronology. Language and Pronunciation Guide 1. Background 2. The Development of Buddhism in Tibet 3. Tibetan Buddhism as a Path to Liberation: I. Sūtra Teachings 4. Tibetan Buddhism as a Path to Liberation: II. Tantric Teachings 5. Tibetan Buddhism as a System of Knowledge 6. Ethics and Tibetan Buddhism 7. Lamas and Lay Practitioners, Monasteries and Temples 8. Tibetan Buddhism as Practical Religion 9. Tibetan Buddhism and Tibetan Identity 10. Tibetan Buddhism, Women and Gender 11. The Bon Religion of Tibet: Pre-Buddhist Survival or Variant Form of Buddhism? 12. Tibetan Buddhism Today and Tomorrow. Appendix: Some Important Lamas. Glossary. Index