Researcher Phan Cam Thuong launches translation of "Tibetan Buddhist Symbols Handbook"

After the work Material Civilization of Vietnamese People won the 5th National Book Prize B in 2022, recently, researcher Phan Cam Thuong and his colleague Phan Tuong Linh have just released the translation of the Tibetan Buddhist Symbol Handbook (Zenbooks and The Gioi Publishing House).

This is considered a thorough and comprehensive explanation of countless Tibetan Buddhist symbols and motifs by author Robert Beer. He is a British scholar who has spent more than 30 years researching and practicing Tibetan Buddhist art. He is also one of the first Westerners to actively participate in this art form. His paintings have appeared in hundreds of books and websites related to Buddhism.

The Handbook of Tibetan Buddhist Symbols is one of Robert Beer’s most famous works. It has been translated into many different languages and is a top 100 bestseller in the “Religious Arts and Photography” category on Amazon.

The book is intended for anyone who wants to learn about Tibetan art, Tibetan Buddhism as well as the history of Buddhism.

Through 16 chapters, the author takes readers on a spectacular and interesting "tour": Starting with different groups of auspicious symbols of Tibetan Buddhism; then with natural animal images, myths, cosmic symbols; and finally "stopping" at the mystical rituals of Vajrayana.

For each symbol and motif, Robert Beer uses concise descriptions and meticulous, intricate drawings (which took Beer eight years to complete) to illuminate the details, origins, and layers of meaning contained within them.

Although the descriptions in the book are very concise, they also contain stories, anecdotes and new discoveries , showing the immense depth of Buddhist philosophy. And not only in the content and spirit of Buddhism but also imbued in the author Robert Beer's elegant and confident English style.

With its engaging, comprehensive content and exquisite illustrations, The Handbook of Tibetan Buddhist Symbols is a must-read for anyone interested in Tibetan art, Tibetan Buddhism, and Buddhist history. It will also be useful to artists, designers, and anyone interested in iconography, fine arts, and Eastern art in general.

QUYNH YEN

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/nha-nghien-cuu-phan-cam-thuong-ra-mat-dich-pham-so-tay-bieu-tuong-phat-giao-tay-tang-post741787.html