This catalog is published in conjunction with an exhibition organized and presented by the Rubin Museum of Art, New York, March 2 through July 30, 2012, and curated by Karl Debreczeny.

New illustrated and abridged edition surveys the communications revolution of the fifteenth century.

Tibetan Printing: Comparisons, Continuities and Changeis the first publication that brings together leading experts from different disciplines to discuss the introduction of printing in Tibetan societies in the context of Asian book culture.

Essence of Ambrosia is a guide to Buddhist meditation, composed by the prolific and eclectic Tibetan scholar and practitioner Taranatha (1575-1634). Following the lead of Atisha, Taranatha expounds a graduated approach (known as lam rim) to cognitive and meditative development designed to address the needs of three types of person: the person of lesser, average and greater capacity. Taranatha's innovative contribution to this genre is to instruct the student in "contemplation sessions", that specifically guide a beginning Buddhist practitioner through the traditional practices of meditation, beginning with devotional reflection up to the apex of Buddhist meditation, insight (vipassana) meditation. The result is a remarkably accessible and concise insider's guide to the Mahayana Buddhist path.

Colloquial Tibetan provides a step-by-step course in Central Tibetan as it is spoken by native speakers. Combining a thorough treatment of the language as it is used in everyday situations with an accurate written representation of this spoken form, it equips learners with the essential skills needed to communicate confidently and effectively in Tibetan in a broad range of situations. No prior knowledge of the language is required. Key features include: progressive coverage of speaking, listening, reading and writing skills phonetic transliteration of the Tibetan script throughout the course to aid pronunciation and understanding of the writing system structured, jargon-free explanations of grammar an extensive range of focused and stimulating exercises realistic and entertaining dialogues covering a broad variety of scenarios useful vocabulary lists throughout the text additional resources available at the back of the book, including a full answer key, a grammar section, bilingual glossaries and English translations of dialogues. Balanced, comprehensive and rewarding, Colloquial Tibetan will be an indispensable resource both for independent learners and for students taking courses in Tibetan. Audio material to accompany the course is available to download free in MP3 format from www.routledge.com/cw/colloquials. Recorded by native speakers, the audio material features the dialogues and texts from the book and will help develop your listening and pronunciation skills. By the end of this course, you will be at Level B2 of the Common European Framework for Languages and at the Intermediate-High on the ACTFL proficiency scales.

The story of Guru Rinpoche’s visit to Tibet and significant influence on its Buddhist history during the eighth and ninth centuries, recounted by four prominent Tibetan scholars. This book recounts Guru Rinpoche’s historic visit to Tibet and explains his continuing significance to Buddhists. Through a series of historical texts written by prominent Tibetan Buddhist masters, this book recounts the life and legacy of Padmasambhava, The Lotus-Born, better known as Guru Rinpoche. Credited with transmitting Buddhism to Tibet in the 8th century CE during the last century of the Tibetan Empire, Guru Rinpoche fostered radical changes to Tibet, marking historic transformations in the country’s religious and political position. Having converted Tibet into a largely Buddhist society, Guru Rinpoche’s influence remains a central force in Tibetan identity and practice today. Guru Rinpoche offers an account of his life through four distinct accounts, including: A biography by Jamgon Kongtrul A biography by Dorje Tso from a revelation by Sera Khandro An Indian version of his life by Tarnata The Bön version of his life by Jamyong Kyentse Wongpo In addition, the book includes a selection of supplications and Buddhist poetry praising the Lotus-Born master, Guru Rinpoche.