Tibetan and Himalayan Library - THL

Description: The book is structured into two parts (previously two separate volumes) – the first is devoted to a synoptic overview of the historical development of Indian esoteric Buddhism, and the second devoted to a more biographical and social history of the assimilation of tantric Buddhsim into Tibet. The first part on India begins with a summary of standard Indian Buddhism, but the key portion is the overview of the rise and development of tantric Buddhism (128-305). Its focus is more on a general overview with emphasis on doctrine, literature, ritual and iconography, rather than a detailed social and institutional history. 117-213 deals with the early history of tantra and particularly the treatment of Buddhas and their families. Overall, this book was the most important study of Indian Buddhist tantra and its early transmission into Tibet when it was first released, but in many ways has become superseded by more detailed and specific studies that later emerged. (David Germano)