Initiations lamaïques : des théories, des pratiques, des hommes

Initiations lamaïques : des théories, des pratiques, des hommes Alexandra David-Néel Paris, Éditions Adyar, 1930. Octavo (20.2 x 13 cm). First Edition. Half-calf binding, spine with four raised bands, decorated with gilt fleurons and title. Original covers and spine preserved. 244 pp, complete with 36 photographic plates (separate). Beautiful copy, scarce in a period binding. This work presents the foundations of Tibetan Buddhism, its doctrines, its meditative practices, and the lives of the masters and ascetics encountered by Alexandra David-Néel during her Himalayan stays. An exceptional testimony on traditional Tibet and an enlightened introduction to Lamaist thought, illustrated with numerous photographs taken by the author. Alexandra David-Néel (1868-1969), French explorer and orientalist, was one of the great figures of the Western discovery of Tibet. Her journey to Lhasa in 1924 and her numerous writings largely contributed to making Tibetan Buddhism known in Europe.