Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism / John Powers

Includes bibliographical references (p. [475]-486) and indexes.

The Indian background -- Buddhism in India -- Some important Buddhist doctrines -- Meditation -- Mahayana -- Tibetan history and culture -- Tibetan religious history -- The twentieth century -- Religious festivals and holy days -- Geography and architecture -- Tibetan Buddhist doctrines and practices -- Tantra -- Death and dying in Tibetan Buddhism -- The orders of Tibetan Buddhism -- The four orders -- Nyingma -- Kagyu -- Sakya -- Geluk -- Bon: a heterodox system.

This is the most comprehensive and authoritative introduction to Tibetan Buddhism available to date, covering a wide range of topics including history, doctrines, meditation practices, schools, religious festivals, and major figures. Beginning with a summary of the Indian origins of Tibetan Buddhism and how it was eventually brought to Tibet, it explores Tibetan Mahayana philosophy and tantric methods for personal transformation. The four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism as well as Bon are exploded in depth from a nonsectarian point of view.