Lying at the centre of an ancient network of Buddhist temples in the Great Temple of Lhasa, the Johkang Temple is the pulsating heart of spiritual and economic life in Tibet. It has been said that the turbulent history of the Great Temple mirrors the turbulent history of the Tibetan nation as a whole. This UNESCO world heritage site, an enduring symbol of extraordinary devotion and pilgrimage, is the atmospheric focal point of Lhasa, from which bustling narrow lanes of commerce radiate outwards in all directions. Copiously illustrated with photographs taken over eight decades, this landmark publication is introduced by the personal reminiscences of HH the Dalai Lama. Part One by Gyurme Dorje presents Zhakabpa's detailed Inventory to the Great Temple, and Part Two by Tashi Tsering compiles historical sources illustrating its importance in Tibetan life. Part Three by Heather Stoddard draws upon early historical material to highlight the temple's geomantic origins and the inauguration of the Great Prayer Festival. In Part Four Andre Alexander explores the temple's intricate Indo-Nepalese architecture, while in Part Five Ulrich von Schroeder documents its extant bronze images.