Bücher von L. Austine Waddell

A successful officer in the colonial Indian Medical Service, Glasgow-educated Laurence Austine Waddell (1854-1938) was fascinated by the landscapes and cultures of Darjeeling and Tibet, studied local languages, and spent his leisure time researching and writing on Tibetan topics. His earlier books The Buddhism of Tibet (1895) and Among the Himalayas (1899) are also reissued in the Cambridge Library Collection. Waddell had attempted to enter Lhasa (then closed to foreigners) in disguise in 1892, but did not succeed until he accompanied the controversial British expedition to Tibet in 1903-4; he describes his arrival there as 'the realisation of a vivid and long-cherished dream'. His eyewitness account of how the 'peaceful mission' became an 'invasion' occupies the first half of this 1905 publication. The later chapters vividly portray the city and its inhabitants. The book includes more than a hundred of Waddell's own photographs, as well as maps and line drawings.

Laurence Austine Waddell (1854-1938) spent twenty-five years as a medical officer in the colonial Indian Medical Service. Fascinated by the landscapes and cultures of Darjeeling and Tibet, and inspired by reports from British spies surveying the remote Himalayan valleys, Waddell studied local languages, and spent his leisure time researching and writing on Tibetan topics. His books The Buddhism of Tibet (1895) and Lhasa and its Mysteries (1905) are also reissued in the Cambridge Library Collection. This 1899 publication, illustrated with photographs and drawings, claims to describe 'the grandest part of the grandest mountains in the world', for the first time since Hooker (whose 1854 Himalayan Journals are also reissued), and anticipates today's trekking industry. Waddell's colourful account of jungles, snakes, glaciers, yaks, dizzying mountain ridges, rickety bamboo bridges, tribal peoples and unfamiliar food aims to 'bring home to the reader a whiff of the bracing breezes of the Himalayas'.

The Buddhism of Tibet or Lamaism by L. Austine Waddell is an illuminating exploration of Tibetan Buddhism, delving into its mystical cults, rich symbolism, mythology, and its profound relationship with Indian Buddhism. The Buddhism of Tibet or Lamaism by L. Austine Waddell is a comprehensive work that offers readers an in-depth understanding of Tibetan Buddhism, often referred to as Lamaism. Waddell's book serves as a doorway into the mystical and fascinating world of Tibetan religious and spiritual practices. The book begins by providing readers with a historical and cultural context for Tibetan Buddhism, highlighting its unique development within the Tibetan plateau. Waddell explores the early influences of Indian Buddhism on Tibetan religious thought and how it evolved into a distinct and complex tradition. Central to the book is the exploration of Tibetan Buddhist mysticism, symbolism, and mythology. Waddell delves into the rich tapestry of Tibetan religious art, rituals, and practices, unraveling the layers of symbolism that permeate every aspect of Lamaism. He explains the significance of mandalas, prayer flags, mantras, and other elements that form the core of Tibetan Buddhist devotion. Furthermore, Waddell discusses the relationship between Tibetan Buddhism and its Indian roots, shedding light on the philosophical underpinnings shared between the two traditions. He explores how Tibetan Buddhism absorbed and adapted Indian Buddhist teachings, while also incorporating indigenous Tibetan beliefs and practices. This book is an invaluable resource for those interested in Tibetan Buddhism, its mysticism, and its cultural and historical significance. Waddell's meticulous research and profound insights make it an indispensable companion for scholars, spiritual seekers, and anyone curious about the spiritual treasures of Tibet.