A History of Zhang Zhung and Tibet; Volume One explores ancient Tibet's Zhang Zhung kingdom and Bon religion that preceded the advent of Buddhism in the seventh century. Countering the long-held idea that Tibet's pre-Buddhist indigenous culture was primitive and undeveloped; this book shares the rich cultural origins of the kingdom of Zhang Zhung--the "cradle of Tibetan culture;" which encompassed a vast area of Western and Northern Tibet in an area that includes sacred Mount Kailash. Presenting the meticulous research of internationally known Dzogchen Buddhist teacher and scholar Chögyal Namkhai Norbu; the book investigates the mysteries of Zhang Zhung's Bon religion; a set of shamanistic and animistic beliefs and practices only recently studied by a handful of academic scholars. Offering a critical analysis of a vast array of literary and primary sources; Norbu discusses the role of the Bon traditions within Zhang Zhung's lineages; dynasties; and culture. Examining Zhang Zhung's written language; sacred ornaments; rock carvings; healing practices; music; and magical divination techniques; Norbu contributes to an understanding of the roots of Tibetan Buddhist culture and modern-day Bon religion--a practice followed by an estimated ten percent of Tibetans.Table of Contents:Translator's Foreword; A Technical Note about the Translation; I. The Human Generations of Ancient Zhang Zhung; II. The Bon Lineages of Ancient Zhang Zhung; III. The Royal Lineages of Ancient Zhang Zhung; IV. The Written Language of Ancient Zhang Zhung; V. The Civilization of Ancient Zhang Zhung; Indexes--Tibetan and Zhang Zhung Names and Terms; Textual Sources; Sanskrit Names and Terms; Chinese Names and Terms
#598581 in Books Burford Books 2001-02-06Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.28 x .80 x 5.54l; .83 #File Name: 1580800858320 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Incredible Inside Look at The Confederacy in 1863By Happyjack41Put this on your "Must Read" list! A first rate look at the American Civil War in 1863 through the eyes of a British officer who took leave for several months and toured the Confederacy. Because he was a British officer at a time when the Confederacy was intensely interested in cultivating British recognition and support; he was gladly shown around and given introductions to some of the most important and famous people in the South. As a result he met Robert E. Lee; President Jefferson Davis; Secretary of State Judah Benjamin; Generals John Hood; Joseph Wheeler; George Pickett; James Longstreet and others. He witnessed Gettysburg. He offers details of many interesting incidents and his own observations about the people he met and things he saw. He provides the look and feel of the South during this period. All in all; it would almost seem impossible for this to be a true account if it were not for the many corraborations in the writings of these famous people themselves. Having said that; it is probably fair to say that at least some of what he was shown and told was purposeful propaganda to gain his support. (Such as happy lavoushly dressed slaves he saw promenading on their way to Sunday church services in clothing even finer than their slave masters and mistresses wore.) An excellent fascinating adventure; well written. Do not miss it!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Fun ReadBy San Francisco BaggerA ball to read. Fremantle is a witty and incisive writer; the pictures he paints of the South offer us a wonderful view of the different aspects of Southern life; both civilian and military; during the Civil War. Walter Lord's notes and comments complement the text beautifully.The delicious part; of course; is how completely wrong Fremantle is in his prediction of who will win the war; and in his denigration of the Northern fighting machine. As the book progresses he becomes an apologist for slavery and the Southern cause. His admiration of Southern will and the Southern army is spot on; his predictions and his ability to understand the North; not so much..Recommended.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Civil war time diary of an English noncombatant visitor.By dlsIt's hard to rate a book that is a primary historical document--the diary of an English gentleman and military officer and unabashed southern supporter in the early days of the American civil war. This is a great read for history buffs. Fremantle chose to visit the US while on leave from his unit--he had no official responsibilities for his trip during war time. He notes the difficulty of travel from Texas to Virginia with many stops along the way; meets with many southerners and crosses over the lines to the Union side to return to England.
