The Dalai Lama's Secret Temple: Tantric Wall Paintings from Tibet

Rating:
Summary: The Evidence is compelling
Review: Herein one can see unmistakable evidence of the ancient Secret Doctrine so well-protected by the Sacred Order of Tibet. It is a shame that this doctrine is lost in a proliferation of intellectualism and out-right black magic, but the clarity and powerful beauty of these images reveal that the doctrine exists for those who seek it. The writer even acknowledges with quotes from H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama the essential clue of White Tantrism; but this book isn't the place to learn that. A beautiful book, a tantalizing glimpse at a hidden science. For more information on the Secret Teachings of the Tibetans, read "The Perfect Matrimony" by Samael Aun Weor.

Rating:
Summary: The Evidence is compelling
Review: Herein one can see unmistakable evidence of the ancient Secret Doctrine so well-protected by the Sacred Order of Tibet. It is a shame that this doctrine is lost in a proliferation of intellectualism and out-right black magic, but the clarity and powerful beauty of these images reveal that the doctrine exists for those who seek it. The writer even acknowledges with quotes from H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama the essential clue of White Tantrism; but this book isn't the place to learn that. A beautiful book, a tantalizing glimpse at a hidden science. For more information on the Secret Teachings of the Tibetans, read "The Perfect Matrimony" by Samael Aun Weor.

Rating:
Summary: Impressions of Esoteric Buddhist Art
Review: In addition to being a meticulously executed illustrated art book, The Dalai Lama's Secret Temple: Tantric Wall Paintings from Tibet by Ian A. Baker, et al. guides the reader through some lesser known biographical details of Tibet's greatest Dalai Lamas and of the history of Tibetan Buddhist culture as a whole. The amazing drawings, many of which painted in an almost feverish surrealistic style, are accompanied by insights into the lore of the Dalai Lamas, with thoughtful excerpts from their writings. I am also much obliged as a book shopper to show my appreciation to the book's publisher, Thames & Hudson, for the excellent printing quality and overall layout and binding of this book, details which for me always work to enhance the message of a book and to demonstrate the seriousness and loving care with which the authors themselves have treated their creation.

Rating:
Summary: beautifully captured
Review: The Dala Lama's Secret Temple is a wonderful and insightful look into one of the most spectacular temples in Lhasa. Having just visited the Lukhang, I had the pleasure to personally view the murals. Many of which are unique to Tibetan paintings. And still very preserved. Better than I could have photographed myself, this book presents each of the walls paintings in the highest quality plates. Descriptions of the historical significance of the temple mirror the detail works of the painting. A nice addition to a library of Tibetan Art and Buddhism.

Rating:
Summary: A must-read book for Tibetan Buddhist
Review: This book is highly recommended for anyone who are interested in tibetan buddhism. The tantric wall paintings in this book are breath-taking, and also very informative. It is like a illustrative guide to the pathway of great perfection. A must-read book!!

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful coffee table photo book of rarely seen art
Review: This is a lovely book filled with fabulous images which have not been published before. The temple is like the Sistine Chapel of Tibet, intended, as the Sistine Chapel was, originally for the eyes of the spiritual leaders alone, but has now been opened.

Images are breathtakingly beautiful and quite unusual.

Another great book to get, if you like this kind of book, is the book Alchi, from a temple in Ladakh (published by Shambhala) which shows a temple from several centuries earlier than the Tibetan one. An interesting contrast.

Also recommended in the spiritual coffee table book genre is Richard Lannoy's Benares book, about the holiest of cities in India, where the Tibetans got their Tantric yogis from originally around the year 1000 or so.