The dawn of Tibet : the ancient civilization on the roof of the world / John Vincent Bellezza.

Includes bibliographies and index.

1. Discovering the First Civilization of Tibet -- From Nowhere to Somewhere -- Something Definite Begins to Emerge -- Gaining Ground to Further Revelation -- The Means and Methods of Chronicling Zhang Zhung Sites -- 2. The Great Sky Realm: The Land of Upper Tibet -- The Pinnacle on the Roof of the World -- The Enchanting Domain of Upper Tibet -- Lakes of Sanctity and Beauty -- Cosmic Center Mount Tise -- Divine Denizens, the Wildlife of Upper Tibet -- 3. Tillers and Herders, Warriors and Saints: The People of Upper Tibet -- A Union of Farmers and Shepherds -- The Drokpas, Wanderers of the Tibetan Upland -- The Drokpa Attire of Gods and Kings -- The Drokpa Tent as a Microcosm of the Universe -- Bestowed by Heaven and Earth, the Sustenance of the Drokpas -- Human Minds and Animal Spirits -- Farming the Top of the World -- The Cycle of Faith, Festivals and Passages -- Manifold Changes Buffet Modern Upper Tibet.

4. From Sky to Earth: The History of Zhang Zhung -- The Magic and Mystery of Tibetan Scriptures -- The Coming Together of the Tribes -- Descended from Paradise, the Royal Line Appears -- The Dominion's Embrace in Kings and Castles -- The Gods Withdraw Their Favor -- 5. Touching the Sky: The Citadels and Temples of Zhang Zhung -- Stones of Time -- The Abodes of the Ancients -- The Redoubts of Power and Prestige -- Hermitages and Temples of the Gods -- 6. Penetrating the Earth: The Burial Grounds of Zhang Zhung -- Territory Marked in Standing Stones -- Cities of the Dead -- Underworld Tombs to the Heavens -- The Looting of the Tombs -- 7. Flesh, Blood, and Bones in Stone: The Artistic Treasures of Zhang Zhung -- Inscribing History in Carvings and Paintings -- Strokes of Time -- Symbols of Life and Marks of Faith -- The Ancient Human Figure in All Its Glory -- Animals as Creatures, Persons, and Gods -- Shrines Bridging the Gap between Prehistory and History.

Long-Lost Cultural Links -- The Allure of Ancient Art in Metals -- 8. Father Sky Eagle and Mother Earth Serpent: The Religion of Zhang Zhung -- The Historic Beginnings of Eternal Bon -- The Mythic Beginnings of Eternal Bon -- The Secret Teachings of Eternal Bon -- The Spread of Zhang Zhung Religion to Central Tibet -- The Zhang Zhung Gods of the Sky and Earth -- The Riddle of Tonpa Shenrab and the Passage of the Dead -- 9. Horned Heroes and Turquoise Maidens: The Cultural Life of Zhang Zhung -- Myths of the Beginning -- The Awesome Feats of Zhang Zhung's Greatest Personalities -- The Ancient Warriors and Priests of Zhang Zhung and Central Tibet -- The Ancient Material Culture of Zhang Zhung and Central Tibet -- 10. My Ancestors, My Gods: Zhang Zhung Reigns in Contemporary Upper Tibet -- The Key to the Past and Present -- Divine Mountains and Lakes of Shepherds and Farmers Recall Ancient Traditions -- The Search for Weil-Being through the Ages -- Today's Shaman Successors to the Adepts of Zhang Zhung.

"Based on decades of research, The Dawn of Tibet draws on a rich trove of archaeological, textual, and ethnographic materials collected and analyzed by the author. Bellezza describes the vast network of castles, temples, megaliths, necropolises, and rock art established on the highest and now depopulated part of the Tibetan plateau. He relates literary tales of priests and priestesses, horned deities, and the celestial afterlife to the actual archaeological evidence, providing a fascinating perspective on the origins and development of civilization. The story builds to the present by following the colorful culture of the herders of Upper Tibet, an ancient people whose way of life is endangered by modern development. Tracing Bellezza's epic journeys across lands where few Westerners have ventured, this book provides a compelling window into the most inaccessible reaches of Tibet and a civilization that flourished long before Buddhism took root."--Publisher's description

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