Political Geography: Tibet / Topic: Religion

Author:: Bimalendu Mohanty and Varish Panigrahi
Publication Date:: 11-2016
Content Type:: Journal Article
Journal:: Journal of Bhutan Studies
Institution:: Centre for Bhutan & GNH Studies (CBS)
Abstract:: Guru Padmasambhava of Odiyana went to Tibet along with his wife Mandarva in 747 CE at the invitation of the King Trisong Detsen (755 CE to 797 CE) of Tibet and established a Buddhist order that was based upon Vajrayana practice developed in Odisha. He brought a synthesis among the Bon religion, which existed in Tibet along with Sahajagyana, and established Lamaism. From the biographical sketches available from the existing documents, it is known that Padmasambhava was the adopted son of King Indrabhuti, the King of Sambala in Odiyana. The second wife of Guru Padmasambhava, Dakini Yeshe Tsogyal, had written a biography titled The Lotus Born: The Life Story of Padmasambhava where the Guru has been described as the son of King Indrabhuti of Odiyana. It is believed that before reaching Tibet, he had visited Bhutan along with his wife, to settle disputes among warring neighbouring countries and to bring peace in the region. He also spent some time in Sikkim and Nepal while en-route to Tibet.
Topic:: Religion, History, and Buddhism
Political Geography:: South Asia, Tibet, and Bhutan

Author:: Luca Maria Olivieri
Publication Date:: 11-2016
Content Type:: Journal Article
Journal:: Journal of Bhutan Studies
Institution:: Centre for Bhutan & GNH Studies (CBS)
Abstract:: In this contribution, which is based on a collection of data that were earlier presented in different fora1, I would like to first briefly touch upon the fact that last year the Italian Archaeological Mission in Swat2, founded by Giuseppe Tucci in 1955, just celebrated its 60th anniversary. The Mission, which I have the honor to lead3, is still in full activity despite the many dramatic events that hit the beautiful Swat valley between 2007 and 20104. I also intend to pay tribute to Giuseppe Tucci’s seminal essay, On Swat (Tucci 1977), which holds a wealth of suggestions and historical hypotheses that are still stimulating research5. Amongst those historical hypotheses, there are some aspects of mutual importance connecting Swat and Bhutan, i.e. the early diffusion of Vajrayana in Swat, the relationship between Swat and the trans-Himalayan regions, and the role of Guru Padmasambhava.
Topic:: Religion, History, Buddhism, and Archaeology
Political Geography:: South Asia, Tibet, Bhutan, and Himalayas

Author:: Julia Famularo
Publication Date:: 01-2011
Content Type:: Working Paper
Institution:: Project 2049 Institute
Abstract:: This study examines the long-running dispute between the Chinese Communist Party and the current Dalai Lama over the issue of his reincarnation. The paper provides a multifaceted analysis of some of the challenges facing the Tibetan spiritual leader and his people. It highlights important historical, political, and cultural aspects of his relationship with regional players as well as his emerging strategic vision for the future. Spinning the Wheel also offers insight into the recent self-immolations and protests that have occurred in ethnographic Tibet.
Topic:: Religion, Chinese Communist Party (CCP), Dalai Lama, and Reincarnation
Political Geography:: China, Asia, and Tibet

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