The Arrow and the Spindle : Studies in History, Myths, Rituals and Beliefs in Tibet: Vol. II/Samten G. Karmay. Kathmandu, Mandala Pub., 2005, 238 p., (pbk) (Vol. II). ISBN 99946-55-01-9.

    Contents: Preface. Abbreviations. I. History and the yul lha cult in Tibet: 1. King Glang Dar-ma and his rule. 2. Concepts of territorial organisation and their transformation into Buddhist sacred sites. 3. A comparative study of the yul lha cult in two Bonpo areas and its cosmological aspects. II. The fifth Dalai Lama and rNying ma pa teachings: 4. The rituals and their origins in the visionary accounts of the Fifth Dalai Lama. 5. A most pleasing symphony, an unknown biography of the Fifth Dalai Lama. 6. The mural paintings in the Red Palace of the Potala. 7. rDo-rje Gling-pa and his rediscovery of the "Good Needle" in Bhutan. III. Bonpo people and their heritage: 8. Introduction to the new collection of Bonpo Katen Texts. 9. Introduction to a survey of Bonpo monasteries and temples in Tibet and the Himalaya. 10. The thirty-nine tribes of Hor: a historical perspective. Bibliography. Indexes. 

    "The first part of this book deals with historical matters especially the stereotyped notions of the King Lang Darma in Tibetan Buddhist historical works. It is followed by a comparative study of the cult of local deities (yul lha). 

    The second part is mainly devoted to the Buddhist rites such as the ones instituted as state ceremonies by the Fifth Dalai Lama (1617-1682) as well as discussions about the mural painting in the Red Palace in the Potala that depicts the life of the Fifth Dalai Lama.

    The third part deals with the Bon religion and history of its monastic institution as well as its followers such as the rebellious thirty-nine tribes of Hor." (jacket) 

Return to Books on Tibet