For the Western imagination, Tibet evokes images of exoticism, mysticism, and wonder: a fabulous land detached from the harsh reality of modern times, spiritually enriched with what the West seems to have lost.
Originally published in 1998, Prisoners of Shangri-La is the first cultural history of the remarkable encounter between Tibetan Buddhism and the West. Donald Lopez reveals in it the misconceptions about Tibetan life and religion. He covers, among other things:
- The politics behind the term "Lamaism", a condescending designation for Tibetan Buddhism
- The theosophical, psychedelic, and New Age applications of the so-called Tibetan Book of the Dead
- The unexpected history of the famous Tibetan mantra "om mani padme hum"
These images of Tibet are not merely pop culture phenomena, but are often intertwined with scientific sources, creating a unique mix of popular and academic insights.
Upon publication, Prisoners of Shangri-La caused a stir in Tibet studies and was regarded as a timely, challenging, and courageous critique. Twenty years later, the situation in Tibet is more pressing than ever, with events such as the unrest of 2008, the demolition of thousands of monks' cells in Larung Gar in 2016, and the number of self-immolations by Tibetans as a protest against the Dalai Lama's exile.
In his new foreword to this anniversary edition, Lopez returns to the metaphors of prison and paradise to illuminate the state of Tibetan Buddhism, both in exile and in Tibet, where monks and nuns still seek a way home.
Language and Target Audience
This book is written in English and is suitable for advanced language users (C1-C2). It serves as a valuable learning tool for education, research, and self-study in the field of cultural history and religion.
Prisoners of Shangri-La is reliably available through Intertaal, with a guarantee of fast delivery.