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The Handbook of Tibetan Buddhist Symbols Paperback – October 14, 2003

by Robert Beer (Author)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 150 ratings
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A deep and encompassing dive into the vast array of symbols and attributes that appear within the complex iconography of Tibetan Buddhism

The Handbook of Tibetan Buddhist Symbols is a portal into the rich, multifaceted, and profound symbolism of Tibetan sacred art. The succinct descriptions that accompany Robert Beer’s detailed line drawings reveal the origins, meanings, and functions of these symbols. Beer unravels the multiple layers of symbolism and meaning contained within the iconography, affording the reader a panoramic vision into the deeper dimensions of this sacred art.

Drawn largely from Beer’s monumental work The Encyclopedia of Tibetan Symbols and Motifs, the meticulous brush drawings in this book depict all of the major Buddhist symbols and motifs, including the various groups of auspicious symbols; cosmological symbols; natural and mythical animals, such as the dragon, garuda, and makara; the entire assembly of ritual tantric implements and weapons; magical and wrathful symbols; handheld emblems, attributes, and plants; esoteric Vajrayana offerings; and mudras, or ritual hand gestures.
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Previous page
  1. Print length
    288 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Shambhala
  4. Publication date
    October 14, 2003
  5. Dimensions
    7.14 x 0.69 x 9.26 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    9781590301005
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1590301005
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

The Handbook of Tibetan Buddhist Symbols is a portal into the rich, multifaceted, and profound symbolism of Tibetan sacred art. Robert Beer provides a deep and encompassing insight into the vast array of symbols and attributes that appear within the complex iconography of Tibetan Buddhism. The succinct descriptions that accompany his detailed line drawings reveal the origins, meanings, and functions of these symbols. Beer unravels the multiple layers of symbolism and meaning contained within the iconography, affording the reader a panoramic vision into the deeper dimensions of this sacred art.
Drawn largely from Beer?s monumental work The Encyclopedia of Tibetan Symbols and Motifs, the meticulous brush drawings in this book depict all of the major Buddhist symbols and motifs, including the various groups of auspicious symbols; cosmological symbols; natural and mythical animals, such as the dragon, garuda, and makara; the entire assembly of ritual tantric implements and weapons; magical and wrathful symbols; hand-held emblems, attributes, and plants; esoteric Vajrayana offerings; and mudras, or ritual hand gestures.

From the Back Cover

The Handbook of Tibetan Buddhist Symbols is a portal into the rich, multifaceted, and profound symbolism of Tibetan sacred art. Robert Beer provides a deep and encompassing insight into the vast array of symbols and attributes that appear within the complex iconography of Tibetan Buddhism. The succinct descriptions that accompany his detailed line drawings reveal the origins, meanings, and functions of these symbols. Beer unravels the multiple layers of symbolism and meaning contained within the iconography, affording the reader a panoramic vision into the deeper dimensions of this sacred art.
Drawn largely from Beer’s monumental work The Encyclopedia of Tibetan Symbols and Motifs, the meticulous brush drawings in this book depict all of the major Buddhist symbols and motifs, including the various groups of auspicious symbols; cosmological symbols; natural and mythical animals, such as the dragon, garuda, and makara; the entire assembly of ritual tantric implements and weapons; magical and wrathful symbols; hand-held emblems, attributes, and plants; esoteric Vajrayana offerings; and mudras, or ritual hand gestures.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 1590301005
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Shambhala; First Paperback Edition (October 14, 2003)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 288 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9781590301005
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1590301005
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.24 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.14 x 0.69 x 9.26 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 150 ratings

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  1. Robert Beer

    Robert Beer

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  2. Robert Beer

    Robert Beer

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    Robert Beer first began to study and practice Tibetan art and thangka painting in India in 1970, and was one of the first westerners to become actively involved in this field. He is the author and illustrator of The Encyclopedia of Tibetan Symbols and Motifs and The Handbook of Tibetan Buddhist Symbols. His drawings have appeared in hundreds of Buddhist-related books and websites, and he lives in Oxford, England.

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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
150 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Jason Underwood
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Line Drawing ❤
Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2023
Verified Purchase
Amazing amount of Information organized & succinctly explained. Thank You!
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Bubblegum
5.0 out of 5 stars Quintessential for its Quality
Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2017
Verified Purchase
This revised edition of Beer's compilation of Tibetan symbols is indispensable as a student of Tibetan studies. Although I am not focused religion, the iconography if religious figures and themes comes up often enough that I had extensively relied on Google previews of the book and finally decided to buy a copy and save myself the screen time. The Handbook is a little better organized and has more of the material that I need compared to the earlier Encyclopedia. Beer's images are clear and show a considerable amount of the possible variety, much easier to learn to recognize form than in the complexities of fully colored thangka. In terms of just needed a simple answer and enough background to start understanding and researching elements of iconography this book is the perfect launching point.

The book is made with nice paper and the illustrations are nice and clear. Shipping with Prime was great.
6 people found this helpful
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Paul Camira
5.0 out of 5 stars Infinite beauty
Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2012
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Beer is a genius of Tibetan symbolism and a master of the art. If Tibetan art is a passion of yours, or you are an aspiring Buddhist this is a must for you. He also published a larger hardcover volume which this was adapted from. The hardcover book is much more comprehensive, larger and quite beautiful. The quality of printing is excellent. Beers ability to replicate the repetitive images is almost robotic and mind blowing in his precision. Just look at the rolling waves or cloud formations..for pen and ink drawings that are vibrant and alive on the page. The essence of Tibetan Buddhist multiverse perception. It is infinitely enjoyable and informative as he defines all of the images meanings and the essence of what they evoke. Just looking at his drawings evokes a peaceful, meditative and introspective experience. For a student or artist studying Buddhism or just art, this will educate and enthrall. It gives definitive meaning and helps clarify the imagery in one volume unlike any other writings i have found. I do recommend this book as well as the larger comprehensive volume..also available on Amazon. Om mani padme hum.
7 people found this helpful
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Dojin
5.0 out of 5 stars Price, Quality and Delivery Excellent
Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2022
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Wanted to purchase this book for some time. It serves as a reference guide for new and seasoned practitioners. The black and white illustrations invite me/us to pick up coloring pencils to fill in the lines. Call this purchase a Joyful Effort. Thank you for offering good/precious books in great condition at a decent price.
One person found this helpful
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a customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Not to be confused with Beer's Encyclopedia
Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2011
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This Handbook is an excellent reference book, handsomely published by Shambhala, and affordable. BUT...do not confuse this with Beer's Encyclopedia of Tibetan Buddhist Symbols and Motifs. This Handbook is NOT a paperback version of the Encyclopedia. The 400-page Encyclopedia goes into more detail, has additional text, and provides the reader with many, many more pages of drawings. I confused the two and thought I would save some money by buying the paperbound. Nope, it's a much abridged version. If you can afford the Encyclopedia, it is well worth Amazon's price.
38 people found this helpful
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Linda P.
5.0 out of 5 stars Impressive!
Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2013
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The obvious commitment and care that went into the creation of this book is outstanding. It contains beautifully drawn artwork and is full of information and wisdom presented in a very engaging way. The glossary is truly helpful. More than a list of page numbers, it is a clear, concise explanation of important Buddhist concepts. What a generous gift Robert Beer has offered us! Thank you.
2 people found this helpful
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B. Mitchell
5.0 out of 5 stars this belongs in the library of anyone begining or interested in Vajrayana, Tantric Buddhism.
Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2013
Verified Purchase
Awesome book that's enjoyable and informative. As a practitioner it brings new depth and understanding to visualizations and practices as well as bring up lots of "Oh that's what that represents." I wandered why Rinpoche was packing that thing around. Thanka's, ritual items, gestures, art and other mediums come alive vibrant and enriching having gained a fuller understanding of the meaning, intent and purposes. Hat's off to Robert for sharing your wealth of knowledge and skill with us!
5 people found this helpful
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Ming
5.0 out of 5 stars Great compliment to the encycloedia.
Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2018
Verified Purchase
A great summary of the symbols and motifs. It doesn’t have as much details such as origins of the symbols and motifs but condensed the essential points and meaning of them.
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Top reviews from other countries

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Omar d.
5.0 out of 5 stars Calidad y precio
Reviewed in Mexico on September 4, 2022
Verified Purchase
Llego integró recomiendo este libro cantidad de ilustraciónes y buena información sobre los símbolos los recomiendo ampliamente
Gracias
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Cliente Amazon
5.0 out of 5 stars Ótimo.
Reviewed in Brazil on October 4, 2020
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👌🏼👍🏼🙏🏼
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sumanta mukherjee
5.0 out of 5 stars know the unknown
Reviewed in India on August 22, 2019
Verified Purchase
it is an excellent book which helps us to know the unknown parts of vajrayana buddhist culture. even if one has no interst to know those information, ze can keep this book for b/w artworks. thanks to the author and artist.
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Gabriele Belotti
5.0 out of 5 stars buon libro
Reviewed in Italy on November 6, 2017
Verified Purchase
Direi un ottima versione della simbologia Tibetana, molte linee guida e immagini da cui prendere spunto, sono contento dell'acquisto, anche se in versione brossura
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Maria J.
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 15, 2017
Verified Purchase
Fantastic book as all book by ROBERT STEEL
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