Himalayan Art Resources

Bibliography: Religious Context Publications

General Bibliography

Subjects, Topics & Types:
- Description (below)
- Buddhist
- Bon
- Hindu
- Religious Traditions Main Page
- Others...

Book Review Videos:
- Introductory Video
- The Tree of Enlightenment (PDF Link)
- The Small Golden Key
- Buddhist Civilization in Tibet

Religious context refers to those publications which explain the abstract meanings of the various types of art along with origins and orthodoxy.


Essential Publications:

The Tree of Enlightenment, Peter Della Santina: http://www.buddhanet.net/pdf_file/tree-enlightenment.pdf

The Small Golden Key, Thinley Norbu: http://www.amazon.ca/The-Small-Golden-Thinley-Norbu/dp/0877738564. (Book Review).

Buddhist Civilization in Tibet, Tulku Thondup. Routledge Kegan, 1987. (Video).
http://www.amazon.com/Buddhist-Civilization-Tibet-Buddhayana-Series/dp/014019083X
Populist Books: Video Review
- Wisdom & Compassion: Sacred Art of Tibet (Book review)
- The Book of Buddhas
- Meeting the Buddhas
- Guide to the Deities of the Tantra
General Texts:

Buddhist Civilization in Tibet, Tulku Thondup: http://www.amazon.com/Buddhist-Civilization-Tibet-Buddhayana-Series/dp/014019083X

Buddhist Symbolism in Tibetan Thangkas. The Story of Siddhartha and Other Buddhas Interpreted in Modern Nepalese Painting. Ben Meulenbeld. Binkey Kok Publications, 2001.

The Encyclopedia of Tibetan Symbols and Motifs, Robert Beer. Shambhala, Boston, 1999.

Lamaism in Sikhim. By Laurence Austine Waddell (1854-1938). Published 1894. An illustrated 19th century study of Himalayan Buddhism.

Leaves of the Heaven Tree, The Great Compassion of the Buddha. (Avadana). Translated by Deborah Black. Dharma Publishing, 1997.

The Marvelous Companion, Life Stories of the Buddha (Jatakamala) by Aryasura. Dharma Publishing, 1983.

The Small Golden Key, Thinley Norbu: http://www.amazon.ca/The-Small-Golden-Thinley-Norbu/dp/0877738564

Tibetan Buddhism: A Very Short Introduction by Matthew T. Kapstein. 2013

Tibetan Religious Art, (2 volumes). Loden Sherab Dagyab. Otto Harrasowitz, Wiesbaden, 1977

Tibetan Thangka Painting. David & Janice Jackson. Serindia Publications, London, 1984

The Tree of Enlightenment, Peter Della Santina: http://www.buddhanet.net/pdf_file/tree-enlightenment.pdf

Jeff Watt [8-2018, 10-2022]