Univ.-Prof.

PREFACE AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS | INTRODUCTION | PART I | ILLUSTRATIONS (Maps and Photographs), 1 von 2 | ILLUSTRATIONS (Maps and Photographs), 2 von 2 | TABLE OF CONTENTS, Volume II | Appendix I | Appendix II | Appendix III | Appendix IV | Appendix V | Appendix VI, 1 von 2 | Appendix VI, 2 von 2 | BIBLIOGRAPHY | INDEX

The present study constitutes an extensive contribution to the historical study of early and medieval Tibet and can be seen as follow-up to two previous works published by the same authors in 2000 and 2005 (ÖAW, Beiträge zur Kultur- und Geistesgeschichte Asiens, Nos. 36 and 46). It is the continuation of an on-going fruitful cooperation between European and Tibetan researchers. The authors also here follow a strict methodological approach that combine in-depth textual analyses, philology, anthropological inquiries and fieldwork thereby creating a new approach within the field of Tibetan historical study. In addition and pursuant to the textual elaboration, the endeavour to identify and localize all relevant toponyms and the detailed cartographical work following it opens up a new dimension to the historical study and what might be labelled historical geography, throwing new light on the historical development and its ramifications in the hinterlands of the political and religious centres. Starting from the history of the Tshal-pa - in the 13-14th century the religious and political hegemony of sKyid-shod, the core region of Northern Central Tibet - the present study offers new insight into the relations and interaction between clan, territory, religious lineages and local powers within this region around Lhasa in the period from the 11th to the 17th century. Part 1 of the book (=volume 1 of the present edition) is a translation of a basic text concerning the history of Tshal Gung-thang; the latter means the monastic centre near Lhasa (today only partly extant) which was founded by the charismatic ascetic, yogin and religious head Gung-thang Bla-ma Zhang (1123-1193). Connected to it is a very detailed annotation of the text, drawing up a host of (partly rare or unknown) comparative sources on the earlier history of this region. Part 2 includes five appendices: four lengthy individual studies on various aspects of the history (and cultic tradition) of Tshal-pa and the Lhasa valley, as well as a compilation of several historical tables. This includes clan genealogies, lists of religious institutions, lists of names, such as the numerous teachers and disciples of the Tshal-pa founder, religious lines of neighbouring monastic powers and not least genealogical tables of the regional hegemonies of the post Tshal-pa era. An extensive cartographical and photographical documentation (including rare historical photos) as well as the facsimile of two Tshal-pa texts complete the present work, which may be regarded as a source book or reference work on the history of sKyid-shod and the Lhasa Valley, the politically most important area in Tibet. Easy access and reference is ensured through an index which includes all personal names and place names mentioned in the two volumes. Gedruckt mit Unterstützung des Fonds zur Förderung der wissenschaftlichen Forschung  

The present study constitutes an extensive contribution to the historical study of early and medieval Tibet and can be seen as follow-up to two previous works published by the same authors in 2000 and 2005 (ÖAW, Beiträge zur Kultur- und Geistesgeschichte Asiens, Nos. 36 and 46). It is the continuation of an on-going fruitful cooperation between European and Tibetan researchers. The authors also here follow a strict methodological approach that combine in-depth textual analyses, philology, anthropological inquiries and fieldwork thereby creating a new approach within the field of Tibetan historical study. In addition and pursuant to the textual elaboration, the endeavour to identify and localize all relevant toponyms and the detailed cartographical work following it opens up a new dimension to the historical study and what might be labelled historical geography, throwing new light on the historical development and its ramifications in the hinterlands of the political and religious centres. Starting from the history of the Tshal-pa - in the 13-14th century the religious and political hegemony of sKyid-shod, the core region of Northern Central Tibet - the present study offers new insight into the relations and interaction between clan, territory, religious lineages and local powers within this region around Lhasa in the period from the 11th to the 17th century. Part 1 of the book (=volume 1 of the present edition) is a translation of a basic text concerning the history of Tshal Gung-thang; the latter means the monastic centre near Lhasa (today only partly extant) which was founded by the charismatic ascetic, yogin and religious head Gung-thang Bla-ma Zhang (1123-1193). Connected to it is a very detailed annotation of the text, drawing up a host of (partly rare or unknown) comparative sources on the earlier history of this region. Part 2 includes five appendices: four lengthy individual studies on various aspects of the history (and cultic tradition) of Tshal-pa and the Lhasa valley, as well as a compilation of several historical tables. This includes clan genealogies, lists of religious institutions, lists of names, such as the numerous teachers and disciples of the Tshal-pa founder, religious lines of neighbouring monastic powers and not least genealogical tables of the regional hegemonies of the post Tshal-pa era. An extensive cartographical and photographical documentation (including rare historical photos) as well as the facsimile of two Tshal-pa texts complete the present work, which may be regarded as a source book or reference work on the history of sKyid-shod and the Lhasa Valley, the politically most important area in Tibet. Easy access and reference is ensured through an index which includes all personal names and place names mentioned in the two volumes. Gedruckt mit Unterstützung des Fonds zur Förderung der wissenschaftlichen Forschung 

Ecclesiastic and Secular Hegemony in Medieval Tibet. A Study of Tshal Gung-thang

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Rulers on the Celestial Plain

This publication represents the results of a detailed historical-philological and anthropological study dedicated to the history and cult of Khra-´brug or the Thundering Falcon temple. It constitutes the first serious inquiry into the location’s history, focusing exclusively on this major religious shrine and pilgrimage site, which, according to the Tibetan tradition, is commonly regarded as the oldest (Buddhist) temple in Tibet. The sanctuary, located in the heart of the Yar-lung Valley in southern Central Tibet, which is the cradle of the Tibetan civilization and erstwhile homeland of the Tibetan kings, was erected in the 7th century during the reign of the emperor Srong-btsan sgam-po (d. A.D. 649). Chronologically the temple may have been built immediately preceding the temple sanctuary of Lhasa, which was erected by the same king, the Ra-sa´i´ Phrul-snang, otherwise known as Jo-khang, and which is famed as the symbolic centre and national sanctum of Buddhist Tibet. The main part of the book is made up of a number of primary sources that deal with Khra-´brug, which are presented here in extensively annotated translations. These include excerpts gleaned from various historiographical works as well as local documents. One of these is a local pilgrims’ guide, Khra ´brug gnas bshad (dating from the early 20th century), which forms the most important source in the book and which is also reproduced in facsimile. Furthermore, extensive surveys that were conducted in situ are presented, gleaned from the wealth of local oral traditions that still prevail in Khra-´brug and in Yar-lung. They deliver significant new insights and thus enrich the data extracted from the written sources appreciably. Together, the source material and its comparative analysis open a door to the fascinating world behind the history of this temple, a vista that, from a modern perspective, allows us to appraise and survey central issues related to politics and religion, as well as a number of arcane cult traditions of the period from the 7th to 20th centuries. The appendices contain separate studies related to specific questions concerning the history of the temple, sometimes addressing issues going beyond Khra-´brug such as an extensive discussion of the extant lists of the first temples of the kingdom that are ascribed to the founding king Srong-btsan sgam-po. Also included is a study of the earlier local historical context, a history of the main protector gods, and various examples of the fascinating temple cults (some to a certain extent still alive, others revitalized). These assumed their decisive forms during the era of the fifth Dalai Lama, when Khra-´brug was transformed into a state temple for the emerging central government in Lhasa. Architectural documentation, several cartographical sketches based on satellite photos, an extensive photo documentation (both old and rare pictures and numerous recent photos), and, finally, the accompanying DVD (with recent documentary films devoted to the temple and its important annual festival) make this engrossing book a joy to read and a feast for the eyes, both for advanced scholars and the interested lay audience. The index includes all Tibetan and Sanskrit names (persons and places) and text titles that are cited in the translated sources. 

An Inquiry into the History and Cult of Khra-'brug, Tibets First Buddhist Temple. In cooperation with Tsering Gyalbo

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Thundering Falcon

The present publication offers to the academic readership for the first time a translation, transliteration and facsimile edition of three medieval and rare manuscripts recently traced in the Central Tibetan monastery of g.Ya’-bzang located in Yar-stod, foremost among which counts the g.Ya’bzang chos ’byung composed in 1475 A.D. Together the texts constitute a unique and compelling source for the post-dynastic history of the region of upper Yar-lung (i.e.Yar-stod) in southern Central Tibet. The sources deliver valuable information concerning the history and genealogy of the local royal house of the lHa Bug-pa-can-pa,and shed light on the formative history and rise of the religious throne of g.Ya’-bzang (est.1206), the key site of the g.Ya’-bzang bKa’-brgyud school, in particular emerging under the active patronage of this noble house. Throughout the 13th and 14th century it developed into the influental g.Ya’-bzang myriarchy (khri skor).

The sources include the biography of the central figure behind this powerful local entity, the charismatic g.Ya’-bzang-pa Chos kyi smon-lam (1169–1233 A.D.), whose monastery at the foot of the holy Sham-po Mountain turned into a powerful spiritual centre in this part of southern Tibet. A fascinating and illustrative portrait is drawn here, depicting the political and ideological mechanisms that governed the establishment of local post-dynastic rulership and its claims for legitimacy.

The study,combining philology,historical research and social anthropology, may serve as a sort of case-study by investigating the background and formation of these local ruling structures with their symbiotic politico-religious relationship to the religious institutions that flourished in their domain.  

Civilisation at the Foot of Mount Sham-Po. The Royal House of lHa Bug-pa-can and the History of g. Ya'-bzang

This volume presents the first translation into a western language of the earliest known version of the great Tibetan history known as the dBa’/sBa bzhed. The original version of this famous text, traditionally attributed to sBa/dBa’ gSal snang, is believed to have been written in the 9th century, but until now the only extant versions, which are much reworked and which date back to the 12th and 14th centuries, have never been translated into English.

In 1997, in Tibet, as the result of the co-operation between the Tibetan Academy of Social Sciences and the Austrian Academy of Sciences, a manuscript of 31 folios came to light in Lhasa bearing the title dBa’ bzhed, and the telling subtitle: “The Royal Narrative (bka’ mchid) Concerning the Bringing of the Buddha’s Doctrine to Tibet”. This text is now presented as a joint publication by the two Academies in a facsimile edition with an annotated translation.

The outline of the events narrated by the dBa’ bzhed corresponds to a large extent to the known versions of the sBa bzhed: a detailed account of the foundation of the monastery of bSam yas (the first Buddhist monastery in Tibet, consecrated in A.D. 779), the famous doctrinal debate which took place there in A.D. 792-794 and the political and religious conflicts which relate to the establishing of Buddhism as the dominant religion in Tibet during the reign of Khri srong lde btsan. There are, however, considerable differences in the dBa’ bzhed from the extant sBa’ bzhed versions in the mention of numerous historical details and in the narrative. These elements indicate that the dBa’ bzhed pre-dates the extant sBa’ bzhed versions, or at least represents an early and different elaboration drawn from the ancient sources of this tradition. The style of the text suggests that it belongs to a transitional stage between the archaic dynastic Tibetan seen in Dunhuang materials and early classical/canonical Tibetan. The 164 page book includes an annotated translation and a photographic reproduction of the Tibetan text, together with an introduction by the authors and a preface by Per Sørensen, with assistance from Charles Ramble and Luciano Petech.

 This volume presents the first translation into a western language of the earliest known version of the great Tibetan history known as the dBa’/sBa bzhed. The original version of this famous text, traditionally attributed to sBa/dBa’ gSal snang, is believed to have been written in the 9th century, but until now the only extant versions, which are much reworked and which date back to the 12th and 14th centuries, have never been translated into English.

In 1997, in Tibet, as the result of the co-operation between the Tibetan Academy of Social Sciences and the Austrian Academy of Sciences, a manuscript of 31 folios came to light in Lhasa bearing the title dBa’ bzhed, and the telling subtitle: “The Royal Narrative (bka’ mchid) Concerning the Bringing of the Buddha’s Doctrine to Tibet”. This text is now presented as a joint publication by the two Academies in a facsimile edition with an annotated translation.

The outline of the events narrated by the dBa’ bzhed corresponds to a large extent to the known versions of the sBa bzhed: a detailed account of the foundation of the monastery of bSam yas (the first Buddhist monastery in Tibet, consecrated in A.D. 779), the famous doctrinal debate which took place there in A.D. 792-794 and the political and religious conflicts which relate to the establishing of Buddhism as the dominant religion in Tibet during the reign of Khri srong lde btsan. There are, however, considerable differences in the dBa’ bzhed from the extant sBa’ bzhed versions in the mention of numerous historical details and in the narrative. These elements indicate that the dBa’ bzhed pre-dates the extant sBa’ bzhed versions, or at least represents an early and different elaboration drawn from the ancient sources of this tradition. The style of the text suggests that it belongs to a transitional stage between the archaic dynastic Tibetan seen in Dunhuang materials and early classical/canonical Tibetan. The 164 page book includes an annotated translation and a photographic reproduction of the Tibetan text, together with an introduction by the authors and a preface by Per Sørensen, with assistance from Charles Ramble and Luciano Petech.

The Royal Narrative Concerning the Bringing of Buddha's Doctrine to Tibet. A translation and commentary by Pasang Wangdu and Hildegard Diemberger, Preface by Per K. Sorensen

Per K. Sørensen

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Rulers on the Celestial Plain

Thundering Falcon

Civilisation at the Foot of Mount Sham-Po. The Royal House of lHa Bug-pa-can and the History of g. Ya'-bzang

dBa 'bzhed

Testimonia Epigraphica Norica Serie A / Teil 1 / Faszikel 3 Instrumentum Domesticum