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Tibetan Customary Law: Tradition and Transformation

Objectively, the current diversity in Tibetan customary law is mainly due to the diversificationof social life, cultural tradition, and unbalancedeconomic development. Customarylaw has been integral to the lives of ethnic Tibetans, their customs and beliefs. Hence, from the point of view of legal anthropologyand sociology, and in line with the data collectedfirst-hand from his fieldwork, the author Lu Zhixiang argues that the basis of forminga harmonious society in Tibet is to conduct a systematic analysis of ethnic Tibetanscustomary law and its transformation. Inaddition, although the legal structure in Tibetan inhabited areas could benefit from overseas experience, the foremost issue is to considerthe local law resources. Support of the traditional, indigenous legal culture of ethnicTibetans is deemed to be a necessity. That isto say, the customary law of ethnic Tibetans becomes one of the key law resources to developthe law in all autonomous areas where ethnic Tibetans are dwelling. As the first book to tackle this issue through a systematic study of the history of the customary law of ethnicTibetans, the author has filled in the knowledge gaps in this regard, demonstrating not only his high academic standards but also the undeniable significance of his topic. The customarylaw of ethnic Tibetans has been enrichedby the depth of Tibetan folkloric and religious customs, and guided by the decrees of the Tubo Kingdom and local regimes duringa prolonged process of social development.The book is divided into eight parts and varioustopics concerning the customary law of ethnic Tibetans, traits and early roles of customarylaw, practical impacts, forces for transformation, and the objectives and paths of transformation (part1, part2, and part 3). The author details the doctrines and community folkloric customs in relation to customary law. The book was published by the Ethnic MinorityPublishing House, price 18.00 Yuan. (ISBN7 -105 - 08284 -1).

The Annals ofEthnic Tibetans

The author Yao Zhaoling divided the book into two parts within 12 chapters. In his first part, he narrated the origins and history of ethnicTibetans, including the rise and decline of the Tubo Kingdom, and the historical developmentof feudal society in Tibet and Tibetaninhabited areas. He also praises the devotion of Tibetan people to the national culture of China. In the second part, the author respectively addresses the history of Lhopa, Moinpa, and Deng people who are residing in the TibetanAutonomous Region, as well as the social and economic system, religion andcustoms. Information about Sharpa people(formed due to westward migration via the Kham area and Tibet) is also included in this book. The China Tibetology Publishing House published the book. Price: 16.8 Yuan. (ISBN7- 80057-823-2).

The Spread of Tibetan Buddhism in Mongolian Regions

On the basis of wide research into original literature written in Han Chinese, Mongolian, Tibetan, Manchurian, English, and Japanese language, the author Jing Chenxiu details the relations between Mongolians and Tibetan Buddhism in the intersection of the Ming Dynasty and Qing Dynasty in the 17th Century. His analysis includes the relations between Mongolian tribes (such as Tumat, Khalkha, and Lozang Sangpu) and Tibetan Buddhism. From this can be derived the role and significance of Tibetan Buddhism in the political and historical context of the Mongolian and Qing Dynasty. In addition, the author conducts textural research on the characteristics of Mongolian Buddhism and “the claim regarding the alleged identical origin of Indians, Tibetans and Mongolians”. A translation and commentary on the book entitled the “Bibliography of the 1st Jetsun Dampa written by LozangSangpu Lingle (1642 -1715) is appended. Published by the Social-Scientific PublishingHouse the book is priced at 35 Yuan (ISBN 7-80230-222-6).

Search for the Last Local Headmen

The tradition of local headmen is a unique and precious cultural heritage amongst Chinasdiverse cultures. It embodies elements of politics, economics, religious, the military, folklore and ethnic culture. Impacting as it does on the material and spiritual lives of the people, this topic is worthy of thoughtful and serious examination. Therefore, the author conducted several interviews of three local Tibetan headmen. They are the last local headmenin Dampa, Mugli, and Aba in Sichuan Province. By recording their different journeys in life, the author made it possible for readers to comprehend the physiological background of local Tibetan headmen and the formation and development of the system of their appointment (which is rather unique andmysterious). The China Tibetology Publishing House has published the book. The priceis 15.6 Yuan (ISBN7-80057-746-5).

Lhopa People - Investigation in Chung Ling Village of Menling County of the TAR

Over 12 Chapters, the author Gong Rui has described his investigation into the history of Chung Ling Village. He also examines its ecological and environmental situation, economy, population, society and politics, marriage and family, legislative system, culture, folklore and customs, education, science, health and religion: all contributing to a general appreciation of a Tibetan village from the point of view of its past, the status quo and its development. The PublishingHouse of Yunnan University published thebook. The price is 21 Yuan (ISBN 7-81068-772-7).

The Road to Heaven - Over a Thousand Female Soldiers Hiked to Tibet in 1951

The author Ji Xiaoshong in his long novel described an historic event in 1950 when over 1100 female students from Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Nanjin joined the 18th Corps of the People Liberation Army to walk to Tibet. Their aim was to safeguard the Chinese boundary by providing logistical and medicalassistance, and also to give entertainment through public performances. They were separated into different troops and performed thesame tasks as the male solders by encountering harsh weather, climbing snow covered mountains, and passing through swamps. They experienced unbelievably tough environmental challenges. But finally, they successfully reached the “roof of the world” from either Qinghai or Sichuan. Their strong will, perseverance and unimaginable tolerance enabled them to overcome all kinds of difficulties. Having arrived in Tibet, they did not rest but made possible the solution of various difficult situations by acting as mediators between the army and the community to dissolve all kinds of misunderstandings. They soon enjoyed the trust of the local community, which was devotedto boundary consolidation and unity between ethnic Tibetans and other ethnicgroups of China. The Art Publishing House of the Peoples Liberation Army published the book. The price is 30 Yuan. (ISBN 978-7-5033-2072-9).