Navajo and Tibetan Sacred Wisdom: The Circle of the Spirit

By Peter Gold

Book Overview

Author Peter Gold draws extensive parallels between the Navajo and Tibetan spiritual traditions. Creation myths, cosmology, the uncanny resemblance of their physical features, and the mandala sand paintings common to both cultures suggest a legacy shared by these seemingly disparate people. This sensitive comparison inspires us to reflect on our own cultural paradigms.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 089281411X
• ISBN13: 9780892814114
• Release Date: October 1994
• Publisher: Inner Traditions International
• Length: 350 Pages
• Weight: 2.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 8.0" x 9.9"

Customer Reviews

Great Respect for the Sun Cross +++

Both the Navajo and Tibetan folks show great respect for the Sunwheel Pattern and its Turning Force. This is shown down to small-scale details of the Sacred Art of these folks -- both making similar great usage of sacred colored sand paintings following the Turning of the Sunwheel for example. This pattern is known thru-out the World from very ancient times -- such with the folks of Japan and Korea as well as Nordic and Celtic folks -- which makes it even more tragic that 20th century totalitarian movements tried to "steal" this pattern. But it is amazing and wonderful that the Navajo and Tibetan folks have such very similar Views and Arts based on such an ancient mandala -- and when these folks came into contact in modern times they had immediate recognition of certain shared patterns -- despite their real-world separation. The work under review supports the above and is based on deep study of the author of Traditions of both folks in general and in person -- which is most important for such Old Spirit Ways. This work is a great introduction to each of the Navajo and Tibetan Traditions as well as their nexus -- which seems to enrich the study of each folk. The book itself is a well-and-good spot-on work of art -- nice to hold in ones hands -- and view over-and-over +++

so interested

An original subject and a passionating adventure through these both cultures, so far away geographically and so close spiritually. A great work with real understanding and knowledge of both spiritualities.

eternal wisdom from the mountain plateaus

a must read and reread for anyone interested in Navajo and or Tibetan religious practices. A fascinating study well illustrated and the photographs add just the right grounding

Interesting comparison

This book compares the similarities between Tibetian and Navaho wisdom. Interesting and compelling, and somewhat challenging to follow in a few places. Well made case!

A somewhat difficult but enlightening presentation.

This book is a somewhat difficult but enlightening comparison of navaho and tibetan world views. Mr. Gold bounces back and forth between these two views and gives a taste but does not always deliver the whole dish. His desire to unite these two worldviews frequently does not do justice to his navaho material and ends up a times confusing. I did enjoy the book for its appendices, often finding them more informative than the text. I would like to see this author write a more through book on navaho worldview. He appears to know more and understand more than he shares in this book.