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

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.

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.

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.

Amazing amount of Information organized & succinctly explained. Thank You!

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.

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.

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.

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!