Henk Blezer, Ph.D. (1997) in Buddhist and Tibetan Studies, University of Leiden, is research-fellow at Leiden University, and investigating antecedents of Bon religion in Tibet. Blezer convened the Ninth IATS Seminar and is (managing) editor of its proceedings. His previous research projects included possible 'Bon'-origins of central rDzogs chen ideas (several articles and a monograph-in-progress) and Tibetan literature regarding so-called 'intermediate states' (see his "Kar gling Zhi khro, A Tantric Buddhist Concept", Leiden 1997).

John Ardussi, Ph.D. (1977) in Asian Civilizations, Australian National University (Canberra), is a private scholar specializing in Tibetan and Bhutanese history, and an affiliate member of the CNRS research team ESA 8047 "Langues et cultures de l'aire tibetaine." In addition, he is a professional engineer in the aviation electronics industry. His present research focuses on 16th - 20th century Himalayan history, traditional technologies and economics. He has written numerous articles on the history of Bhutan and Tibet and is completing a translation of the 4th Druk Desi Tenzin Rabgye's biography, as well as a monograph on pre-19th century Bhutanese history.

The proceedings of the seminars of the International Association for Tibetan Studies (IATS) have developed into the most representative world-wide cross-section of Tibetan Studies. They are an indispensable reference-work for anyone interested in Tibet and capture the cutting edge of Tibet-related research.

This volume is the last of three volumes of general proceedings of the Ninth Seminar of the IATS. It is a richly illustrated book, containing a careful selection of scholarly and academic articles that open surprising perspectives on Bhutan and discuss Tibetan artwork.

The complete series covers ten volumes. The other seven volumes are the outcome of expert panels. Of special interest to readers of this book is the edited volume by Deborah Klimburg-Salter and Eva Allinger (art history).