The Gathering of Intentions reads a single Tibetan Buddhist ritual system through the movements of Tibetan history, revealing the social and material dimensions of an ostensibly timeless tradition. By subjecting tantric practice to historical analysis, the book offers new insight into the origins of Tibetan Buddhism, the formation of its canons, the emergence of new lineages and ceremonies, and modern efforts to revitalize the religion by returning to its mythic origins.

The ritual system explored in this volume is based on the Gathering of Intentions Sutra, the fundamental "root tantra" of the Anuyoga class of teachings belonging to the Nyingma ("Ancient") school of Tibetan Buddhism. Proceeding chronologically from the ninth century to the present, each chapter features a Tibetan author negotiating a perceived gap between the original root text—the Gathering of Intentions—and the lived religious or political concerns of his day. These ongoing tensions underscore the significance of Tibet's elaborate esoteric ritual systems, which have persisted for centuries, evolving in response to historical conditions. Rather than overlook practice in favor of philosophical concerns, this volume prioritizes Tibetan Buddhism's ritual systems for a richer portrait of the tradition.

"An extremely engaging, perspicacious, and elegantly written book on the history of the production and development of a Tibetan text . . . Dalton’s book provides a fundamental road map and guidance for scholars interested in Anuyoga and the development of the Bka’ ma lineages in Tibet." - Harvard Journal of Asiatic Studies

"The Gathering of Intentions is required reading for scholars of Tibetan religious history, particularly those interested in the Nyingma School’s distinctive tantric system." - Religious Studies Review

"[This book] makes a serious contribution to our understanding of Tibetan religious history by demonstrating the relevance of what was until recently a poorly understood textual tradition and showing the surprising ways it impacted Tibetan history." - Journal of Asian Studies

"A valuable, information-packed resource for the study of canon, institution, and ritualism in Tibet." - Reading Religion

"Dalton illuminates an important and understudied Buddhist tradition.... A useful case study for those interestd in the history of religions in general as well as a valuable resource for students and scholars of Tibetan religion and history. Highly recommended." - CHOICE

"Dalton deserves great praise for his scholarship, historical research and crisp writing." - Sumeru

"This volume prioritizes Tibetan Buddhism's ritual systems for a richer portrait of the tradition." - Buddhism Now

"This book [is] a very valuable contribution to the study of Tibetan Buddhism." - BizIndia

"Without a doubt this is a highly recommended book and a very successful exploration of the life and vicissitudes of a single tantra." - H-Buddhism