"As its teachings spread from the Indian subcontinent in all directions across Asia, Buddhism influenced every culture it touched--from Afghanistan to Korea, from Mongolia to Java. Buddhist art is a radiant reflection of the encounter of the Buddha's teachings with the diverse civilizations that came under their sway. It is also an intriguing visual record of the evolution of Buddhist practice and philosophy over a period of more than two millennia. More than two hundred photographs provide the visual context for this tour of the world of Buddhist art. Included in the rich variety of forms are architecture and monumental art, statuary, paintings, calligraphy, fresco, brushwork, and textile arts. Denise Leidy's guide is the perfect introductory text for all those intrigued by this splendid aesthetic tradition. It is also an essential resource for all who seek to understand Buddhist art as teaching."

"The Tibetan Book of the Dead is overwhelmingly the most influential of all Tibetan Buddhist texts in the West. ... Offering one of the most detailed and compelling portrayals of the after-death state in world literature, it contains comprehensive guidance and practices related to transforming our daily lives, on preparing to use death as a means of liberation, on recognizing death when it comes and on how to help those who are dying or bereaved."--Back cover