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Books about Himalayan Religion

from Pilgrims Publishing, Varanasi, India and Pilgrims Book House, Kathmandu, Nepal.





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Dalai Lama

Tibetan Buddhism





The Arrow and the Spindle



by Samten G Karmay



Studies in history, myths, rituals, and beliefs in Tibet.



Hardcover. 600 pages. B&W illustrations. Index.

Weight: 700 g (24.5 oz).

Item No: N000020137.

Price: $US17.25. . Convert Currency



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Buddhism and Lamaism



by J E Ellam



Buddhism and Lamaism gives a brief account of the origin of Buddhism, the specific teachings of the Buddha Gautama Sakyamuni and Lamaism. The author examines the historical links between Buddhism and Lamaism, and explores how, at a later stage, witchcraft and magic emerged and departed in many ways from the comparative simplicity of the Buddha's teachings.



Ellam also underlines the contradictions between Tibetan beliefs and those of other Buddhist countries. He goes into the esoteric aspects of the mystical Mahayana teachings, so long concealed from outsiders by suspicion and brute force. The book is based on a first-hand study of the subject which extended over many years, first in the Southern Buddhist countries, and then in Tibet itself.



Paperback. 49 pages.

Weight: 50 g (1.8 oz).

Item No: 81-7769-014-0.

Price: $US 1.00. . Convert Currency



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The Enchanted World of KUMARI



by John Mellowship



The book focuses on the traditional worship of Kumari by the King of Nepal. This worship is described as a dramatic performance, which acts out an ideal of perfect relations between a Hindu ruler and the citizens of the state.



The work will interest Nepalese studying their traditional culture, scholars in the field, and those who wish to discover the deeper meanings behind the display of regal splendour presented by the small girl called the 'Living Goddess'.



The author, John Mellowship, was born at Nuneaton, England into the family of an Australian Anglican priest. Originally intended for the priesthood, he retains a deep interest in spiritual matters. The family returned to Australia where he later began to study social anthropology at the University of Adelaide.



The University's Anthropology department organized a visit to Nepal where John chose the Royal Kumari as his special topic for doctoral study. In 1990/91 he spent a year doing fieldwork in Nepal and since then has steadily refined his understanding of the Kumari institution.



Paperback. 233 pages.

Weight: 300 g (10.5 oz).

Item No: 817769605X.

Price: $US 5.75. . Convert Currency



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Faith Healers in the Himalaya



by Father Casper J Miller



Cover Photograph by Michael Oppitz:

Shaman Beth Bahadur Bahadur, Takasera WC Nepal, 1978



This book is a reprint of a long out-of-print classic anthropological study of the shamans of Nepal. With the introduction of western medicine and so-called modern amenities, this is a fascinating account of a traditional way of life that is slowly disappearing in the Himalayan kingdom.



Spirit possession, magic, witchcraft and occult healing ceremonies are still daily realities in the villages of Nepal. Who are the people who deal with these realities on behalf of afflicted members of the community? This absorbing in-depth study reveals the amazing secrets of traditional Himalayan shamans (known locally as "jhankris") and their clients in the Dolakha district, a remote mountainous region of Nepal inhabited by the Thami people.



Although initially describing Nepalese shamans or spirit masters in anthropological terms, author Cap Miller presents these spirit masters in dramatic action, beginning with their roles in an annual "Pilgrimage for Power" to a sacred mountain top, the scene of magical battles.



Paperback. 287 pages.

Weight: 485 g (17 oz).

Item No: 81-7303-052-9.

Price: $US10.50. . Convert Currency



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The Glory of Nepal: A Mythological Guidebook to Kathmandu Valley, based on the Nepala-Mahatmya and Himavatkhanda



by William P Forbes with ijay Kumar Chaube. Illustrated by Raju Babu Shakya 'SARAB'.



This beautifully produced paperback contains nine stories from the Himavatkhanda and Nepal-Mahatmya, translated from the Sanskrit. The book is profusely illustrated.

Some of the questions that the books asks are:

- Why are the Himalaya considered holy?

- Why were so many temples constructed in the Himalayan kingdom?

- What are the origins of religious beliefs?

The author has answered these questions intelligently for the modern reader. Most books about the Himalaya agree that they are holy, but noever tell you the origins of this belief. Writers often highlight aspects and features of various temples, but rarely explain why the temples were constructed. Forbes' book is a true pilgrims guide to the holy places of the Kathmandu Valley. It reveals the role that the gods themselves played in establishing this sacred site. Complete with maps and concise directions, these stories lead us on an imaginative but authentic journey of discovery.

"My impression is that the work in hand has its own significance in the annals of Puranic publications." -- Hem Raj Gyawali, Kantipur Publications

"This is certainly not a small task. Only by extreme zeal, devotion and effort can such a work be accomplished." -- Dr. Govind Tandon



Paperback. 292 pages. B&W drawings. Fold-out map.

Weight: 400 g (14 oz).

Item No: 81-7769-027-2.

Price: $US 4.50. . Convert Currency



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Himalayan Pantheon: A Guide to the Gods and Goddesses of Nepal



by Daniel B Haber



Visitors to Nepal, particularly Westerners, may find the large pantheon of gods and goddesses worshipped in this tiny Himalayan country by Hindus, Buddhists and animists bewildering. This small book is a pocket guide to the predominant religious iconography in the Himalayan kingdom and the temples and festivals associated with them. Some people may be put off by what they consider to be the vast number of "idols" and bloody sacrifices, while others may be seduced by the exoticism of it all. Without making any cultural value judgements, the present work attempts to identify and explain the chief deities worshipped in Nepal.



Some highlights:

- Who is the prepubescent "living goddess" and why is she worshipped?

- Who are the phallic deities worshipped for fertility?

- Which are the horrific deities offered animal sacrifices?

- Who is the goddess that bestows good luck? The goddess that bestows knowledge, whose symbol is the six-pointed star?

- What is a Bodhisattva?



These are some of the topics covered in this little book. Although Nepal is nominally a Hindu kingdom, those coming from India may find Nepal's religious iconography quite different from its southern neighbour.



Paperback. 42 pages. B&W drawings.

Weight: 80 g (2.8 oz).

Item No: 81-7303-125-8.

Price: $US2.25. . Convert Currency



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Kumari: The Virgin Goddess



by Siddhi B Ranjitkar



Kumari Puja, or virgin worship, is an ancient feature of Asian religions, dating back to at least the late Vedic period. Archaeological evidence indicates that mother goddess have always occupied a very significant position even in the religions of such ancient civilisations as the Mohenjo-daro and Harappa.

In Nepal, the Living Goddess, Kumari, is regarded as a supreme Tantric goddess--a common deity worshipped by both Hindus and Buddhists. While Hindu Tantrics worship her as Durga Bhawani or Taleju, Buddhist Tantrics worship her as Vajradevi. According to a popular belief, Kumari possesses unlimited spiritual powers and protects people from demons and evil spirits.

The Newars of Nepal devote a great deal of their devotion and ritual activity to the worship of female divine force in its multifarious forms but the most notable and unique feature of their religion is the worship of Kumari, the living virgin goddess.

This handy, concise book presents the mysterious phenomenon of the Living Goddess.

"An invaluable introduction to one of Nepal's most fascinating subjects" -- John Fredericks



Paperback. 48 pages.

Weight: 45 g (1.6 oz).

Item No: 81-7303-165-7.

Price: $US 2.50. . Convert Currency



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The Pashupatinath: A Multi-dimensional Observation on Shaivism, Pashupati Cult and the Pashupatinath



by Sanu Bhai Dangol



A detailed description of the mystery, legends, priesthood, worship, tantrism and significance of the Pashupatinath temple complex near Kathmandu. It is accompanied by a discussion of Shaivism and the Pashupati cult, including: the history of the Shaiva tradition, the significance of lingam worship, the influence of Buddhism, and the branches of Shaivism today. An appendix of popular hymns on Shaivism (in Sanskrit with English translations) is attached.



Paperback. 77 pages. B&W photographs.

Weight: 140 g (4.9 oz).

Item No: N000005038.

Price: $US4.00. . Convert Currency



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Power Places of Kathmandu: Hindu and Buddist Holy Sites in the Sacred Valley of Nepal



Photographs by Kevin Bubriski. Text by Keith Dowman



Around the city of Kathmandu, the ancient traditions of goddess worship, animism and shamanism have for centuries coexisted with the high cultures of Buddhism and Hinduism to create a religious culture of rich diversity and complexity. The power places in the valley range from simple unhewn rocks and boulders revered since ancient times, to impressive pagoda temples replete with stone, wood and bronze ornament and sculpture. These special places, where spiritual energies mingle with the affairs of the earth, have been the meeting points for thousands of devout pilgrims from different traditions throughout the ages.



Power Places of Kathmandu gives an unprecedented view of these fabled sites, with 19 of the most important locations illustrated in over 100 magnificient color plates. Describing each site in turn, in an order which mirrors the routes used by pilgrims through the three old Kingdoms of Nepal, Keith Dowman explores the diverse religious traditions and spiritual practices that have given rise to these places of worship, and examines the rich artistic heritage that is inextricably linked with them.



"Collaboration of two eminently-qualified authorities: rich color photographs accompanied by well-researched text." -- David Reed, Nepal (Rough Guides)





Hardback. 130 pages. 100 colour photographs. Glossary.

Weight: 1360 g (47.6 oz).

Item No: 0500541930.

Price: $US40.00. . Convert Currency



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The Religion of Tibet



by Sir Charles Bell



This classic volume by Sir Charles Bell begins with an overview of religion in Tibet before the advent of Buddhism. After familiarising the reader with the pre-Buddhist Bon religion, he describes the foundation of Buddhism in India by Gotama the Buddha. He details the arrival of Buddhism in Tibet and depicts the struggle between Bon and Indian Buddhism, the result being Tibetan Buddhism.



This work is an excellent introduction to Tibetan Buddhism for newcomers and provides many new insights for those who are already familiar with this religion.



Bell's knowledge of the subject is vast and carefully presented. During his nineteen year stay in Tibet, the author consulted unknown Chinese and Tibetan sources, in addition to the known works on Tibet. He had the opportunity to consult the most authoritative people in Tibet regarding his subject. The result of his labour is this wonderful book.



Paperback. 184 pages.

Weight: 220 g (7.7 oz).

Item No: 81-7303-081-2.

Price: $US4.75. . Convert Currency



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The Tibetan Book of the Dead, or the After-Death Experiences on the Bardo Plane



by W Y Evans-Wentz. Lama Kazi Dawa-Sandup, tr.



"According to tradition, this key text for an understanding of Tibetan Buddhism dates to the time of Padma Sambhava himself and was later hidden until the time was ripe for it to be revealed. It describes the processes of death, of existence after death and of rebirth, which are fundamental to Tibetan Buddhist belief and which are of almost equal interest to Western psychologists and theologians. The text can be used as a breviary and read on the occasion of death, but it was also intended to serve as a guide to the living as well as the dying. The introduction by Evans-Wentz is itself an important commentary on both the text itself and the doctrines it embodies." - John Pinfold, Tibet (Clio Press)



Paperback. 248 pages. B&W photographs and drawings.

Weight: 360 g (12.6 oz).

Item No: 81-7624-055-9.

Price: $US 6.75. . Convert Currency

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The Tibetan Book of the Great Liberation, or the Method Realizing Nirvana through Knowing the Mind



by W Y Evans-Wentz



"Like the Tibetan Book of the Dead, this key text for the understanding of Tibetan Buddhism dates back to the time of Padma Sambhava, who may himself have been its author. It sets forth the essence of Mahayana Buddhism, and in this edition is accompanied by the biography of Padma Sambhava. The lengthy and scholarly introduction by Evans-Wentz is again an important commentary on the text itself and the doctrine it contains." - John Pinfold, Tibet (Clio Press)



Paperback. 261 pages. B&W photographs.

Weight: 420 g (14.7 oz).

Item No: 8177690264.

Price: $US 6.95. . Convert Currency



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Tibetan Religious Dances: Tibetan Text and Annotated Translation of the 'Chams Yig



by Rene de Nebewsky-Wojkowitz



This unique work presents invaluable material related to the Tibetan sacred dances, which have met their doom with the destruction of monastic life in Tibet. Nebewsky-Wojkowitz, during several periods of fieldwork in the Himalayas, studied these Buddhist temple dances. He brings to their description his expert knowledge of Tibetan iconography and ritual. Of particular interest is his translation of the Tibetan texts containing detailed instructions for the performance of the dances.

The existence of such choreographical manuals explains the uniformity in the performance of temple dances and the persistence of an unchanging tradition over long periods. Realising that none of the Buddhist rituals referred to in this book can be performed in present-day Tibet and with the rapid decline in the art of the "chams" dances, Dr de Nebewsky-Wojkowitz's work becomes all the more valuable.



"Written before the flight to India of the Dalai Lama in 1959 and left uncompleted at the author's death, this is a detailed description and analysis of Tibetan ritual dances from the Bon period onwards, based on both textual evidence and fieldwork. Of particular interest is the translation of the texts which include detailed choreographic instructions for the performance of the dances. The appendix by Walter Graf is concerned with the performance of Tibetan music and annotations." - John Whelpton, Tibet (Clio Press)



Paperback. 319 pages. B&W photographs; musical diagrams; map.

Weight: 600 g (21 oz).

Item No: 81-7769-506-1.

Price: $US 16.00. . Convert Currency



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Tibetan Yoga and Secret Doctrines, or Seven Books of Wisdom of the Great Path



Edited by W Y Evans-Wentz. Lama Kazi Dawa-Sandup, tr.



"Seven authentic Tibetan yoga texts, almost unknown to the occidental world until their first publication in English in 1935, are now available in this paperback edition. A companion to the unique Tibetan Book of the Dead which the late Dr. Evans-Wentz also edited, this volume illustrated with photographs and reproductions of yoga paintings and manuscripts, contains some of the principal meditations used by illustrious Hindu and Tibetan gurus and philosophers through the ages in attaining Right Knowledge and Enlightenment.



The editor, whose inquiry and research extended through more than fifteen years in the Orient, spent much time as a pupil of Hindu sages and Buddhist lamas. He has included a body of orally transmitted tradition and teachings received at first hand. These will be of particular interest to anthropologists and psychologists, and to students of comparative religion and practically applied Mahayana Yoga. Special commentaries precede each carefully rendered text, and a comprehensive preface contrasts the tenets of Buddhism with European concepts of religion, philosophy, and science.



Yoga, the tap root of Hinduism, Jainism, Zen Buddhism, and Taoism, has also influenced the development of Judaism, Islam and Christianity. These seven distinct but intimately related books, arranged in orderly sequence, afford a comprehensive view of the spiritual teachings which have shaped the culture of the Orient, and which are now increasingly enriching the West's appreciation of the depths of the human psyche.



The late W. Y. Evans-Wentz, formerly of Jesus College, Oxford, is also the editor of The Tibetan Book of the Dead, The Tibetan Book of the Great Liberation, and Tibet's Great Yogi, Milarepa. His substantial tetralogy of works on yoga, based on translations from the Tibetan, offers an 'interpretation from within' rarely found in the works of Western scholars. During the early years of this century Dr. Evans-Wentz lived in India and in Sikkim, at the invitation of the Maharaja Sidkyong Tulku, where he studied occult doctrines intensively." - OUP



Paperback. 389 pages. B&W photographs.

Weight: 360 g (12.6 oz).

Item No: 817769068X

Price: $US 5.50. . Convert Currency



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© 1998-2008, Pilgrims Book House & Pilgrims Publishing

FINE BOOKS ON NEPAL, TIBET, HIMALAYAS AND INDIA

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