Synopsis:
Essays examining how western views of Tibet have evolved from perceptions of an exotic Shangrila to a ravaged and conquered land whose society is undergoing systematic destruction.
Imagining Tibet represents the first comprehensive attempt to explore such portrayals of Tibet in their aesthetic, intellectual, and political dimensions. It traces the earliest roots of these images in writings of explorers and missionaries, progressing through the depictions employed by Theosophists and scholars, up to the contemporary views of political activists and Buddhist practitioners.
The contributors include Jeffrey Hopkins, Donald Lopez, Dagyab Rinpoche, Per Kvaerne, Heather Stoddard, Jamyang Norbu, Alex McKay, John Bray, Peter Bishop, Robert Barnett, Toni Huber, Helena Norberg-Hodge, Rudolf Kaschewsky, Frank Korum, Graham Clarke, Peter Hansen, Thomas Heberer, Poul Pedersen, and Elliot Sperling.
"This illuminating collection of essays will be of interest to all Tibet-watchers, whatever their political or intellectual persuasion." Melvyn C.Goldstein.
"Imagining Tibet brings together some of our most thoughtful scholars to ruminate on the ways that mythology has become merged with what we take to be the reality of Tibet...a rich kaleidoscope of insights on this fascinating subject." Orville Schell.
