Common Ground: Tibetan Buddhist Expansion and Qing China's Inner Asia

In the eighteenth century, the Qing empire and the Geluk School of Tibetan Buddhism interacted, shaping regional politics and the geopolitical history of Inner Asia. Lan Wu's book "Common Ground" explores how these two powers negotiated and interacted, revealing the interdependency of two expanding powers and the creation of a Buddhist Inner Asia.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 23 August 2022
Publisher: Columbia University Press

The Qing empire and the Geluk School of Tibetan Buddhism, led by the Dalai Lama, came into contact in the eighteenth century, marking a significant period in the geopolitical history of Inner Asia. In her book "Common Ground," Lan Wu delves into the intricate interactions and negotiations between Tibetan Buddhists and the Qing imperial rulers. Wu challenges the traditional perception of the Qing empire as a monolithic entity and presents it as a complex network of encounters among diverse communities.

Wu explores a series of interconnected sites within the Qing empire where Tibetan Buddhism played a pivotal role. She traces the movement of objects, people, and ideas across the border between China and Tibet, highlighting the transregional nature of Tibetan Buddhist knowledge networks. Through the analysis of lesser-known Tibetan Buddhist writings and experiences, Wu reveals an alternative Buddhist space that existed beyond the control of the state.

She also explores the interactions between Mongols and Tibetans within the Qing empire, shedding light on the creation of a Buddhist Inner Asia. Wu argues that Tibetan Buddhism occupied a central but often overlooked role in the Qing vision of empire. By revealing the interdependency of two expanding powers, "Common Ground" offers a fresh perspective on the intricate histories of political, social, and cultural ties between Tibet and China.

This book is a valuable contribution to the study of Inner Asia, providing insights into the complex dynamics of power, religion, and culture in this region. Wu's meticulous research and thoughtful analysis make it accessible to a wide audience, and her findings have the potential to reshape our understanding of the eighteenth-century world.

Weight: 374g
Dimension: 153 x 228 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231206174