Qinghai
Corresponding to the north-eastern part of the Tibetan Plateau, Qinghai has been successively under different political influences.
During the time of King Trisong Détsen, the area was called Amdo by the Tibetans. From 1642 to 1717, the area became was part of the Khoshut Khanate, a Mongol Oirat khanate. In 1724, the Qing empire strove to extend its empire toward the northwest and to seize the Mongol and Tibetan region around the Kokonor lake (Tib. Tso Ngönpo, "Blue Lake "). The outcome of this strategic movement became the Kokonor Province of the Qing empire. In 1928, the whole extended area was renamed Qinghai during the Republic of China period.
The current province of Qinghai is structured around the city of Xining.
Since the early 8th century, Tibetans and Himalayan people have treasured "Namtars" as written or spoken narratives that demonstrate the realization of the Buddhist path by exceptional practitioners. These namtars, or spiritual biographies, serve as inspirational guides on the path to enlightenment.
Today, Namtars Foundation aims to record, preserve, and freely offer the world a written and electronic treasury of the oral wisdom of Tibetan and Himalayan Buddhism.
