This detailed survey of the cultural monuments of Tibet’s outer provinces reveals that Tibetan culture is neither extinct in Tibet proper nor in the outer provinces of Amdo and Kham. Their inhabitants’ accomplishments in rebuilding monasteries, restructuring the economy and revitalizing the traditional way of life are among the most fascinating recent events in Asia. This the author of this work takes it as his expression of admiration and respect for what Tibetans have accomplished within the last decades. The author has visited and thoroughly documented many of the unknown sites in Amdo and Kham, among them highly active monastic establishments with hundreds or even thousands of monks, or hidden treasures of Tibet’s living and revitalized Buddhist tradition. In presenting this study of the cultural monuments in eastern Tibet, he covered a variety of historical, economic or religio-philosophical aspects in order to explain and evaluate the differences and the common features within the Tibetan cultural context.

2004, White Lotus Press, 166pp., profusely illustrated with color photos, as new.