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

• Superior document: Brill's Tibetan studies library, v. 22
• Author: Walter, Michael L.
• Year of Publication: 2009
• Edition: 1st ed.
• Language: English
• Series: Brill's Tibetan studies library ; v. 22.
• Physical Description: 1 online resource (344 p.)
• Notes: Description based upon print version of record.

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.

Table of 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.