Routledge - The Selfless Ego: Tibetan Life Writing Book

The Selfless Ego: Configurations of Identity in Tibetan Life Writing offers a fresh perspective on Tibetan literature. Published by Routledge, this collection of essays moves beyond traditional interpretations to examine how identity is built through writing. Instead of viewing Tibetan life writing only through the lens of hagiographical master narratives, this book explores broader issues of literary theory and identity construction. The text is organized into two distinct parts. Part I serves as an introduction to traditional forms of life writing within Buddhist milieus, specifically looking at the relationship between memory and imagination in Tibetan hagiography. This academic work provides a necessary shift in how scholars approach the genre, offering new ways to study the intersection of Buddhist traditions and literary expression. It is an essential resource for those studying Tibetan culture, Buddhist studies, and literary theory.