Buddhist Symbols in Tibetan Culture : An Investigation of the Nine Best-Known Groups of Symbols

by Loden Sherab Dagyab, Robert A.F. Thurman

In this fascinating study, Dagyab Rinpoche not only explains the nine best-known groups of Tibetan Buddhist symbols but also shows how they serve as bridges between our inner and outer worlds. As such, they can be used to point the way to ultimate reality and to transmit a reservoir of deep knowledge formed over thousands of years.

Genres: Buddhism, Spirituality

160 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1995

About the author

His Eminence Loden Sherap Dagyab Rinpoche, the 9th Dagyab Kyabgön, is an incarnate lama of the Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism. He directed the Tibet House in New Delhi, 1964–66, worked as a Tibetologist at the Institute for Central Asian Studies of Bonn University, and was a founder of Tibethaus Deutschland in Frankfurt, Germany.

The Kyabgön ("Lord of Protection") tulkus are held to be successive incarnations of Dragpa Gyatso (1572–1638), as well as of the great translator Loden Sherab (1059–1109), and have historically served as spiritual heads of the Dagyab region in Eastern Tibet. Since the 4th Kyabgön of Dagyab, all following reincarnations have additionally held the title Hothogthu Nomonhan, "Noble King of Dharma."

Reviews

[Trisha Roberson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Exactly as the title states. Review of groups of symbols in Tibetan culture and art, and brief explanation of the origin and meaning. Very specialized.

[Jacob Strange · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good to read before going to bed. I bought this book thinking I would get an explanation of the esoteric imagery of Tibetan Buddhism like yabyum and the wrathful accoutrements. It did not have one.

[Marsha Altman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book years ago, when I knew much less about Tibetan Buddhism, and I didn't get much from it. I reread it last week for a book project and already had a passing familiarity with most of the material, which really helped me appreciate Loden Rinpoche's more thorough explanations. Technically it is for beginners, but it's not REALLY for beginners.