A comprehensive guide to the fundamentals of Buddhism, how it specifically evolved in Tibet and the Himalaya, and how it is practiced today in Tibet, India, Nepal and Bhutan.

This is a good introduction for the general public, and travelers to the region, including the many trekkers who now venture into these parts. The book avoids the overtly religious or academic tone found in some other texts on the subject. It is abundantly illustrated, with over three hundred photographs, annotated images and maps.

Written by Colin Stump, who previously managed a global group of adventure travel companies, this book aims to demystify some of the complexities that travellers in the region will see.

What are prayers flags for? What do all these angry-looking deities on the temple walls mean? What is tantra? What are the monks trying to achieve when they meditate? Why are there so many different buddhas? Who is the Dalai Lama?

The book begins with a straightforward explanation of the basic principles of Buddhism and how the fundamental philosophies evolved into Mahayana, and ultimately the more esoteric form, Vajrayana or Tantric Buddhism, popularly known today as Tibetan Buddhism.

Explanation of ritual, practice, and the supporting iconography is given, aided by plentiful color images, maps, and illustrations. Each of the main traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, Nyingma, Sakya, Kagyu, and Gelug are covered in turn, with some history and detail on their specific practises and institutions.

Finally, Buddhism as practised in India (now home to many Tibetan refugees), Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet is covered, bringing the reader right up to date with the challenges facing this fascinating tradition.
Wisdom of the Mountains: Buddhism of Tibet and the Himalaya, Colin Stump, Paramita, Paperback, 640 pp, $45.00

Trekking up to Everest Base Camp in 2002, Colin was left 'dazed and confused' after visiting Tengboche Monastery and observing an afternoon prayer session. Sitting amidst the complex, colourful, and often disturbing iconography, Colin was at first beguiled by the rhythmic chant of the monks, but then assailed by discordant horns and clashing of cymbals. What was all that about?

Subsequent years saw Colin pursue his passion for trekking and mountaineering, visiting Tibet, India, Bhutan, and Nepal on several occasions. And, keen to understand more of Tibetan Buddhism, he was often frustrated by the superficial knowledge of local guides and the overly academic or liturgical style of the many books on the subject.

After a long career in brewing and the food industry, and, most recently managing a global group of adventure travel companies, Colin Stump retired in 2011. Continuing his adventures to ever more remote parts of the Himalaya and Tibet, including Upper Mustang, Spiti, and Guge, he sought to get a proper understanding of Buddhist practice and ritual across this vast region.

Being a 'non-practitioner' of religion, this proved to be no easy task, but writing a book on the subject meant a 'deep-dive' into this most complex of philosophical systems and the associated practice and ritual, even including a week spent in a monastery in the isolated Pin Valley of Himachal Pradesh.