Customer Reviews

The Handbook of Tibetan Buddhist Symbols

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This volume took Robert Beer more than 10 years to complete, and one understands why. As far as I know it is the only book on the subject with such superbly crafted illustrations, each meticulously drawn in pencil-thin, lucid detail. There are a huge number of these drawings, and the well-structured text is informative, thorough and scholarly, without being dry. It is an eminent work of very high quality and a joy to read for any Buddhist practitioner, art lover, or just for curiosity. It is surely a classic reference volume. Modesty must have compelled the author and editors to give it the diminutive title 'a handbook' - it is indeed much more. Read it an enjoy.

Tibetan Buddhist symbolism is extremely complex,yet in this volume artist/Buddhist Robert Beer makes it accessible and understandable. Beer divides the symbolism into identifiable categories such as "Eight Auspicious Symbols","Five Attributes of Sensory Enjoyment","Cosmological Symbols","Main Ritual and Tantric Implements" and "Wrathful Attributes and Offerings." It's a user-friendly handbook.

Beer sheds light on more obscure symbolism-such as the khatvanga (tantric staff),the magical weapons of Shri Devi (the Great Goddess),and the gzi stone. He explains it within the framework of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and practice.

To his credit,Beer doesn't gloss over the more gruesome aspects of Tibetan Buddhism. He explains why wrathful deities are depicted wearing garlands made of skulls and severed heads,or holding intestines in their hands. For some, the wrathful deities are seen as a way of sublimating violent tendencies,while others see them as worshipping ugliness. Beer leaves it to the reader to judge.

"A Handbook of Tibetan Buddhist Symbols" is a perfect guidebook to Tibetan Buddhism. It's written for the layman,the newbie,and is engrossing reading.

This Handbook is an excellent reference book, handsomely published by Shambhala, and affordable. BUT...do not confuse this with Beer's Encyclopedia of Tibetan Buddhist Symbols and Motifs. This Handbook is NOT a paperback version of the Encyclopedia. The 400-page Encyclopedia goes into more detail, has additional text, and provides the reader with many, many more pages of drawings. I confused the two and thought I would save some money by buying the paperbound. Nope, it's a much abridged version. If you can afford the Encyclopedia, it is well worth Amazon's price.

Beer is a genius of Tibetan symbolism and a master of the art. If Tibetan art is a passion of yours, or you are an aspiring Buddhist this is a must for you. He also published a larger hardcover volume which this was adapted from. The hardcover book is much more comprehensive, larger and quite beautiful. The quality of printing is excellent. Beers ability to replicate the repetitive images is almost robotic and mind blowing in his precision. Just look at the rolling waves or cloud formations..for pen and ink drawings that are vibrant and alive on the page. The essence of Tibetan Buddhist multiverse perception. It is infinitely enjoyable and informative as he defines all of the images meanings and the essence of what they evoke. Just looking at his drawings evokes a peaceful, meditative and introspective experience. For a student or artist studying Buddhism or just art, this will educate and enthrall. It gives definitive meaning and helps clarify the imagery in one volume unlike any other writings i have found. I do recommend this book as well as the larger comprehensive volume..also available on Amazon. Om mani padme hum.

It's a wonderful book, beautifully illustrated and with simple, brief and clear explanations. Basic for someone who wants to know more about buddhist symbols.

This is a complete journey into the depths of Tibetan culture, from its graphic perspective.
Definitely an important book for the practitioner as well as for the curious!

This book is great, full of wonderful information, and it is an easy read. The shipping was super fast and the price was really good as well!

This is an excellent resource for decoding the complex and concept laden symbolism in Buddhist sacred art. The drawings are clear while having a grace all their own. Robert Beer's text concisely provides the meaning and some background to the evolution of the symbols which are sometimes derived and from Hindu or indigenous Asian cultures. This book will quickly become a well thumbed guide to anyone who is curious about Buddhist art.

The Handbook Of Tibetan Buddhist Symbols by Robert Beer (who has studied and practice Tibetan thanga painting for more than thirty years) is a straightforward reference guide to the meaningful symbolism of sacred Tibetan art. Black-and-white illustrations depict all the major Buddhist symbols and motifs, while the text offers depth and interpretation behind the meaning and usage of each. The Handbook Of Tibetan Buddhist Symbols is enthusiastically recommended for inclusion into Buddhist Studies and especially informative for connoisseurs of Tibetan art.

the book was very well put together and has alot of useful info on buddhist art.