Buddhism and empire : the political and religious culture of early Tibet / by Michael L. Walter.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Walter, Michael L.

Series:

Brill's Tibetan studies library ; v. 22.

Brill's Tibetan studies library, 1568-6183 ; v. 22

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Buddhism--China--Tibet Autonomous Region--History.

Buddhism.

Buddhism and state--China--Tibet Autonomous Region--History.

Buddhism and state.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (344 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Leiden ; Boston : Brill, 2009.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

This book convincingly reassesses the role of political institutions in the introduction of Buddhism under the Tibetan Empire (c. 620-842), showing how relationships formed in the Imperial period underlie many of the unique characteristics of traditional Tibetan Buddhism. Taking original sources as a point of departure, the author persuasively argues that later sources hitherto used for the history of early Tibetan Buddhism in fact project later ideas backward, thus distorting our view of its enculturation. Following the pattern of Buddhism’s spread elsewhere in Asia, the early Tibetan imperial court realized how useful normative Buddhist concepts were. This work clearly shows that, while some beliefs and practices per se changed after the Tibetan Empire, the model of socio-political-religious leadership developed in that earlier period survived its demise and still constitutes a significant element in contemporary Tibetan Buddhist religious culture.

Contents:

Preliminary Material / M.L. Walter

Chapter One. Religion And Politics In Tibet’S Imperial Government, And The Place Of Buddhism Therein / M.L. Walter

Chapter Two. Sku, Bla, Lha, Etc.: The Language And Phraseology Of Early Tibetan Politics And Religion / M.L. Walter

Chapter Three. Rituals In The Imperium And Later: Continuity In The Rituals Of Tibetan Buddhism / M.L. Walter

Chapter Four. The Intersection Of Religion And Politics / M.L. Walter

Appendix One. The Religio-Political Significance Of Gold / M.L. Walter

Appendix Two. A Brief Excursus On Bon / M.L. Walter

Select Bibliography / M.L. Walter

Index / M.L. Walter.

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

1-282-40132-7

9786612401329

90-474-2928-1

OCLC:

712986501

Publisher Number:

10.1163/ej.9789004175846.i-316 DOI