Tibetan Buddhism: A Very Short Introduction

Kapstein is a capital-S scholar, and that comes through here: very informative, very responsible, occasionally dry, not particularly elegant. Considering the utter irresponsibility of many writings about Tibetan Buddhism, I consider that pretty high praise, but readers should be aware that this is heavy on the history (with which most of us are unfamiliar) and light on the encomiums to the lamas (with which, and with whom, most of us are at least a bit familiar).

Thirteen centuries of religious traditions in Tibet (primarily Bon and Buddhist) described alongside the political background of known Tibetan history. While fairly technical in terminology, a layman such as myself with some understanding of the situation and of Buddhism will have little trouble following along. The actual narrative is perhaps 110 pages, with the balance a lengthy notes section. Very informative regarding variations in Buddhist philosophy and techniques (especially the clarifications on tantric practices and the real meaning of the mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum"), as well as connections with China and Manchuria over the centuries. The brevity of the text makes the descriptions a bit choppy, but there are many sources quoted show more and described for the reader to use for further reading. show less