preface
introduction
area of study
source of data
part one: group image of the aristocracy in a hierarchical society
chapter ��the dominant yab-gzhis families
section 1 from the first to the sixth dalai lama
section 2 the seventh dalai lama and his family
section 3 the deification of yab-gzhis families
section 4 a case study: continuation of the lhalu lineage
chapter �� the sde-dpon families of noble descent
section i epitome of the aristocracy
section 2 prominent families
section 3 a case study: the phalha family
chapter �� authority arising from mi-drag families
section i hierarchical changes in a stagnant society
section 2 concept of honor
section 3 struggling for aristocratic status
chapter �� general aristocratic families
section i aspiring for power and honor
section 2 in persistent pursuit of opportunities
section 3 peaceful mind in boundless changes
section 4 adhering to the past and relaxing in the present
part two: tibetan aristocrats who stress 'location'
chapter �� the solid wall of family
section i components and honors of aristocratic society
section 2 family structures: polyandry and polygamy
section 3 basic family structure and aristocrats' residences
section 4 emotional relations among family members and subordinates
chapter �� the contract of marriage and the status of women
section i matrimonial concepts and matrimonial relationships
section 2 boundary and limits of marriage
section 3 romantic forms, stiff content
section 4 women's position revealed in marriage
chapter �� children's upbringing
section i concept of samsara and family affections
section 2 upbringing of the children of the nobles
section 3 childhood -- first step into society
section 4 relations between individuals, family and society
chapter �� life of the aristocracy
section i etiquette and religious enthusiasm
section 2 tibetan new year celebration: religious and secular
section 3 food and attire
section 4 gone with the wind
bibliography
postscript