Tibet, the highland beyond the Himalayas, seems permeated with an atmosphere of living spirituality. Here in ancient times the religion of Bon was widespread, marked by shamanistic practices and a pronounced cult of the dead. Until well into the eighth century, Bon was the dominant religion and culture on the roof of the world; it is in essence the belief system of ancient Tibet. From the second half of the eighth century onward, Bon was superseded by Buddhism, which had traveled north from India, and the two religions ...
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Tibet, the highland beyond the Himalayas, seems permeated with an atmosphere of living spirituality. Here in ancient times the religion of Bon was widespread, marked by shamanistic practices and a pronounced cult of the dead. Until well into the eighth century, Bon was the dominant religion and culture on the roof of the world; it is in essence the belief system of ancient Tibet. From the second half of the eighth century onward, Bon was superseded by Buddhism, which had traveled north from India, and the two religions came to influence each other in both doctrine and ritual. In spite of the eventual dominance of Buddhism through its position as the state religion, however, a reformed Bon school has been able to assert itself down to the present. Its tradition continues to remain alive in a few monasteries as well as in visible signs of Tibetan popular religion, including prayer flags and spirit traps, temple and mountain circumambulations, death and marriage rites, oracle techniques, and countless religious rituals. In fact, it may be reasonably asserted that Tibetan culture cannot be completely understood without a knowledge of Bon practices. This book takes the reader to secluded monasteries and sacred sites of the Bon religious community. With its thoroughly informed text and more than 200 photographs of Bon monasteries, lamas, and sacred sites, most undocumented until now, this volume introduces the myths and culture of ancient Tibet. The preface, written by the spiritual head of all Bonpo, confers additional authority on the work, while its notes, maps, index, and an extensive bibliography make it essential reading for anyone with an interest in Tibet or eastern religions.
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Add this copy of Bon: Tibet's Ancient Religion to cart. $350.00, very good condition, Sold by Moe's Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Berkeley, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2002 by Weatherhill.
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Seller's Description:
Very good in Very good jacket. Jacket is lightly stained inside and is contained in protective plastic jacket. Top and bottom edges of spine are lightly bumped, but binding is tight. Inside is clean, bright, and unmarked.
