Symbolism in Tibetan Buddist Art: Meanings and Practical Applications

The book, by using the actual full color art work painted by the Tibetan monks spanning a period of 600 years adds context and aids in the conceptualization of Buddhist philosophy. The art work symbols and the adjoining symbols provides an artistic progression of the philosophy, demonstrating the flow of thought that line drawings of a single symbol cannot provide. The book provides in depth explanations of symbols, using the ancient scriptures and Buddha's own teachings. It examines the Sanskrit words behind many of the symbols and what those words actually mean. As an example it looks at the Four-petaled Flower, the Sanskrit word dukkha, representing the Four Noble Truths that leads to the Dharma Wheel and the Eightfold Noble Path and the Sanskrit word samma that is integral to understanding that path. Over the centuries these symbols have evolved in their depictions to include, through art, the natural progression of the philosophical concepts. Another of the strengths of the book is that the full color images are presented on the same page(s) as the conceptual explanations. This makes it much easier to understand and assimilate, no page turning required. There is also an index provided for the researcher to use in going deeper into the various components of the symbolism. The book, by using Tibetan monks, lamas, geshes, in addition to Tibetan scholars at universities through out Tibet as the source for the information we have stayed true to the intended meaning and context of the symbols. There are some misconceptions about some symbols as to what they are and what they mean presented by other books on the subject. By using learned Tibetans inside of Tibet and at the monasteries that produce the art work in Tibet we have stayed true to the identification, thought process and conceptualization of the symbols.

About the Author :
David Huber worked for USNSGA for nearly ten years, with six of those years on the intel side completing several "special missions", as they were then called. He specialized as an in-theater tactical analyst whose primary objective was to locate targets for exploitation and then provide advance warnings for the team in the event of detection by hostile forces. His final years at the agency focused on counter-espionage, completing 88 special assignments. These included working with and alongside US military allies in the Pacific Rim as an advisor during joint operations. Following his government career, David leveraged his skills as an art and antique furniture restoration expert for insurance companies, museums and private clients. He quickly branched into custom furniture design and manufacturing, working in these combined fields for over 20 years. He commenced his current endeavor of saving the surviving Tibetan art in the Golden Valley and started research on the history, art, culture and philosophy of the area, dedicating 15 years to this study. David has an A.S. degree in Computer Science from Coleman College, and a B.S. in the Bible from Southern Christian University, and attended seminary at Turner Theological Seminary. Dave Glantz has over 25 years of experience as an educator, international consultant and market researcher, designing and directing qualitative and quantitative studies for leading government contractors, federal agencies, associations and Fortune 500 companies. His research spans such widely varying topics as cybersecurity, international development work, college financing, and the use of the International Space Station's national laboratory, among dozens more. Dave's research focuses on thought leadership, branding, website usability, satisfaction and loyalty, and capture research, as well as concept, message and ad evaluation. He also writes about issues he cares about, such as his 2008 analysis of how a president Obama or McCain would conduct U.S. foreign policy, and a 2015 call to return the Parthenon Marbles to Greece. Dave holds a M.A. in Political Studies (International Relations) and B.A., History (minoring in Art History), from the University of Manitoba in Canada. He is a member of the Qualitative Research Consultants Association (QRCA).

Review :
"Throughout, the authors' investigation of symbols ranges from the mundane to the fanciful. Fish images imply happiness, they note, as well as fertility and the inexhaustible abundance of the Buddha's energy. The lotus flower speaks of "the soul's path from the mud of materialism to the purity of enlightenment." A picture of a skull made into a cup filled with boiling human fat is no mere provocation, but symbolizes "the empowerment of the absolute truth of no-self and the realization of the 'illusory body'." Their extensive discussions of these subjects effectively make the text a sort of primer on Buddhist doctrine, with substantial sections on the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Noble Path, and the Five Precepts. The authors recount vignettes from the Buddha's life and parables, such as a tale of a tortoise that refused to leave his pond when it dried up (teaching the folly of attachment to worldly things). They reprint a lengthy Buddhist hymn and sprinkle representative mantras throughout." Excerpt from Kirkus Reviews " This book is an excellent reference to the meanings of symbols in Tibetan Buddhism. It also happens to be an interesting read because of the well written text and accompanying photos. I found myself appreciating the way these symbols were all woven together like a beautifully ornate knot within the text. Their meanings overlap through out. None of these symbols exist in a vacuum. In this book the meanings become alive as guides to inner roads and understandings about the self. The immense complexity of human psychology represented by buddhist symbology is presented in a well-organized and digestible manner--- rather than a typical dry reference manual--- this book has a heart beat. An excellent introduction and/or a handy refresher---- this book makes a wonderful addition to my library. " Jamie Colpean from Amazon reviews. " This book is well written and easy to understand. The authors explain difficult subject matter in a way that makes one want to go to the next page. I would recommend it for anyone interested in Tibetan culture who wants to deepen their knowledge on the meaning of symbols and their art forms throughout their history. " Alexandra from Amazon reviews.