Tibetan Buddhism

A Very Short Introduction

By: Matthew T. Kapstein

Narrated by: Neil Shah

Length: 4 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

The Tibetan Buddhist tradition has known over 13 centuries of continuous development. During that time, it has spread among the neighboring peoples - the Mongol, Himalayan, and Siberian peoples, Manchus and Chinese. At its height, it has been practiced in regions as far west as the Volga river and to the east in Beijing. Its capacity for creative adaptation is demonstrated by its recent growth in Europe and America.

At the same time, it is at the center of political contestation in ethnically Tibetan regions of China, while its best known exponent, the Dalai Lama, has become one of the most admired religious leaders in the world today. But what does this religion teach? Just what is the position of the Dalai Lama, and how will his succession be assured? Is it true that Tibetan Buddhism in entirely suppressed in China?

Scholar Matthew Kapstein offers a brief account responding to these questions and more in this Very Short Introduction, in terms that are accessible to students, general listeners, journalists, and others who are curious to learn the most essential features of Tibetan Buddhist history, teachings, and practice.

©2014 Oxford University Press (P)2021 Tantor

Clearly explained, nicely narrated, great overview

Digestible, enjoyable, and elucidating. Pleasant, evenly voiced, narrator has a friendly, patient tone that is perfect for this introductory, explanatory material. Kapstein expertly condenses a vast religious tradition into an overview framework, including ritual practices, philosophical systems, and historical periods. Although full of dense information, this polished series of lectures does proceed at a balanced pace. Considering the broad scope, it is very well organized for the beginner. Each audio chapter is less than 30 min long. It never gets too esoteric and carefully avoids insider lingo. Still, since most of this study was new for me, it took time to absorb each chapter.

The conceptual vocabulary is mainly college-level academic English. Those who know the Sanskrit and Tibetan terminology will appreciate hearing the original names-and-nouns spoken precisely. However, when non-English terms are included for completeness, they are smartly added at the end of the sentence. This way, listeners unfamiliar with Sanskrit and Tibetan can effectively skip over unknown terms without losing the meaning of the sentence. Any college educated listener should be able to follow along.

One proof of a master teacher is their ability to outline complex ideas in brief yet richly detailed format. Kapstein's pithy examples and vignettes of historical figures make his topic come alive. [compare to Bertrand Russell's essays] Highly recommended.

GREAT BOOK

This is a very informative book.
It is short and to the point.
I did order the physical book, and am looking forward to listening/reading again to certain parts of the book, especially the beginning. It is now 9/12/23 and I just finished listening and reading the book at the same time.
It was even better the second time around.
The book is certainly valuable to easily return to for reference to certain sections.
This is a book I HIGHLY recommend.
The narrator, mr. Neil Shah, as usual, is a pleasure to listen to.
Do get this book if you are at all interested in Buddhism.
My thanks to all involved, JK.