Essential Tibetan Buddhism, written by Robert Thurman, chair of the religion department at Columbia University, has a 45 page introduction with a broad overview of the history of Tibet and how Buddhism transformed the militaristic society into one of peace.
There is commentary on the primary teachers, Padmasambhava, Atisha, and Tsong Khapa, considered as Buddhas in their own right. He describes the three styles of Buddhism in India.
The early Dalai Lamas are named and described up to the "Great Fifth," who also was crowned king of Tibet. His acknowledgement of central role of monasteries in national life led to an almost completely demilitarized society whose main priority was non-violence.
Summary of the stages of development of Tibet:
1. Militaristic, dynastic Tibet--ca 540 to 840
Conquering reaches limits and Buddhism is first introduced. Reversal by 840.
2. Nationalistic but regionalized Tibet--ca 840 to 978
Buddhism viewed as causing military weakness. It and monasticism is suppressed and masters retreat to eastern Tibet and preserve traditions.
3. Medieval, regionalized, dualitic Tibet--ca 978-1244
Revival of Buddhism by regional princes. Atisha comes in 1040.
4. Feudal, centralized Tibet--ca 1244-1640
Spiritual power begins to merge with secular. Tsong Khapa begins new burst of energy for monastic education
5. Modern nationalistic Tibet--ca 1642-1951
Conflict between lamas and warlords is resolved with coronation of the Great Fifth Dalai Lama who builds a monastic, modern nation-state leading to 3 centuries of relative peace in a unilaterally disarmed society.
Unlike some Buddhist books that presume considerable prior knowledge, this introduction gives a strong background of the historic backdrop for the present day occupation of Tibet by neighboring China (a done deal for most atlas publishers and nations of the world).
ISBN 0-7858-0872-8, copyright 1995, 1997, Published by Harper Collins and Castle Books
It is probably available in the library or in the Eastern Religion section of bookstores.
Robert Thurman is a frequent speaker in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Santa Barbara.

[Edit by="lsutton on May 20, 9:52:01 PM"][/Edit]