Description: This book is a religious history of Pure Land Buddhism in Tibet covering developments from the ninth to the present century and focusing on its distinct literature and related religious practices. It contains as well an annotated translation of an important Tibetan Pure Land text.
Brief description: Richard K. Payne is Yehan Numata Professor of Japanese Buddhist Studies at the Institute of Buddhist Studies, Berkeley.
Review Quotes: Luminous Bliss is a tremendous addition to the neglected field of Tibetan Pure Land Buddhism, and Pure Land Buddhism in general. The book displays the malleability of Pure Land Buddhism through its usage in tantric rituals in Tibet. Furthermore, Halkias relays the richness of Tibetan Pure Land literature. The amount of texts discussed, outlined, or translated in the book is wholly admirable, and ensures that Luminous Bliss will be an important resource for current and future scholars.-- "Kendall Marchman Reviews"