Social Structuration in Tibetan Society

Reviews / Votes

In Social Structuration in Tibetan Society, Jia Luo offers a groundbreaking exploration of Tibetan education-oral, monastic, and state-as viewed through the complex prism of its institutions, spiritual life, and philosophical history. At the heart of the task, the long philosophical tradition emanating from Je Tsongkhapa is brought face to face with the thinking of Anthony Giddens as a canonical figure of Western sociology. This study is an illuminating contribution to a Tibetan sociology of education. -- Peter H. Sawchuk, University of Toronto This volume is unique in proposing a Tibetan sociology of education, which up to this point has not been attempted. The author provides important insights into the nature of Tibetan society, both historically and currently, by bringing Giddens's structuration theory into dialogue with the work of ancient Tibetan philosopher Je TsongKhapa. The links between language, education, spirituality, and freedom are explored in ways that are likely to stimulate intense discussion and further inquiry into the future of Tibetan society. -- James Cummins, Professor Emeritus, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto