Daniel Wojahn

This dissertation examines the relationship between law, power, and Buddhism in thirteenth century central Tibet. It argues that this formative period saw the emergence of new Tibetan ideas on legal practices and explores the increasing importance of Buddhist legal reasoning and ethics in their formation. "Living the Law Between the Lines" focuses on the thirteenth century because it marks a critical juncture in the history of Tibetan civilization, with the incorporation of Tibet into the Mongol Empire and its subjection to Mongol law, leading to new forms of cultural soft power exercised by influential lamas. It traces how individual actors regularly made and justified legal decisions, positioned themselves as leaders of their communities vis-à-vis other Tibetan elites and the Mongols, and reflected on their power and agency. It also traces how individual actors regularly made and justified legal decisions, positioned themselves as leaders of their communities vis-à-vis other Tibetan elites and the Mongols, and reflected on their power and agency.