In this history of the Tibetan Renaissance of 950-1200 C.E., the author reveals how a society on the verge of collapse produced a vibrant Buddhist culture, armed gangs giving way to yogis & scholars. How did a society on the edge of collapse and dominated by wandering bands of armed men give way to a vibrant Buddhist culture, led by yogis and scholars? In this history of the Tibetan Renaissance (950-1200 C.E.), Ronald M. Davidson explores this dramatic transformation, which ultimately led to the Dalai Lama's theocracy. Davidson also explains Tibet's rise as the center of Buddhist culture throughout Asia, replacing India as the perceived source of religious ideology and tradition. After years of political chaos, the translation, interpretation, and popularity of Indian esoteric Buddhist texts unified Tibet and became definitive elements of its national identity. Tibetans employed the evolving literature and practices of later esoteric Buddhism as the basis to reconstruct their religious and political institutions. So important and revered were these esoteric texts that many translators achieved the de facto status of aristocrats and acted in the capacity of feudal lords. While not always loyal to their Buddhist vows, these figures helped solidify political power in the hands of religious authorities. Davidson presents vivid portraits of the monks, priests, popular preachers, and yogins, as well as the aristocratic clans, who changed Tibetan society and culture. How did a society on the edge of collapse and dominated by wandering bands of armed men give way to a vibrant Buddhist culture, led by yogins and scholars? Ronald M. Davidson explores how the translation and spread of esoteric Buddhist texts dramatically shaped Tibetan society and led to its rise as the center of Buddhist culture throughout Asia, replacing India as the perceived source of religious ideology and tradition. During the Tibetan Renaissance (950-1200 C.E.), monks and yogins translated an enormous number of Indian Buddhist texts. They employed the evolving literature and practices of esoteric Buddhism as the basis to reconstruct Tibetan religious, cultural, and political institutions. Many translators achieved the de facto status of feudal lords and while not always loyal to their Buddhist vows, these figures helped solidify political power in the hands of religious authorities and began a process that led to the Dalai Lama's theocracy. Davidson's vivid portraits of the monks, priests, popular preachers, yogins, and aristocratic clans who changed Tibetan society and culture further enhance his perspectives on the tensions and transformations that characterized medieval Tibet. "Davidson's book is important for the study of Buddhism and indispensable for Tibetan studies... Highly recommended." -- Choice "Offers a groundbreaking cultural history." -- Benjamin Bogin, Buddhadharma "This truly fascinating book is bound to create something of a storm." -- Martin Boord, Journal of The Buddhist Society
