Book

The Tibetan symbolic world: psychoanalytic explorations

University of Chicago PressChicago • Published In 1982 • Pages:

By: Paul, Robert A..

Abstract
This monograph presents a detailed symbolic analysis of Sherpa-Tibetan culture interpreted from the standpoint of Freudian psychoanalytic theory, with particular emphasis on Oedipal conflicts within the society. Central to Paul's analysis is his thesis '…that political and sacred authority…are always accompanied by Oedipal symbolism, which is itself concerned directly with the problem of the succession of generations' (p. 7). The source begins with ethnography of the Sherpas of the Solu-Khumbu region of eastern Nepal, and an analysis of their social institutions and religious system. A survey is then made of the great literary monuments of Tibetan culture (e.g., dramas and epics) taken from various parts of Tibet and from different times. The remainder of the source is devoted to a study of the institution of theocracy and its transformation through time (p. 18).
Subjects
Theoretical orientation in research and its results
Traditional history
Drama
Chief executive
Mythology
Eschatology
Spirits and gods
Prayers and sacrifices
Prophets and ascetics
Organized ceremonial
culture
Sherpa
HRAF PubDate
2004
Region
Asia
Sub Region
Central Asia
Document Type
Book
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
John Beierle ; 1991
Field Date
1966-1968
Coverage Date
not specified
Coverage Place
Khumbu region, eastern Nepal
Notes
[by] Robert A. Paul
The author's psychoanalytic interpretations have been indexed for Theoretical Orientation (121) plus other subjects.
Includes bibliographical references
LCSH
Sherpa (Nepalese people)