“In the remote past, the country called Zhang Zhung was known as a great empire throughout the Orient. Other civilizations have left behind ruins that have been excavated as evidence of their existence but because Zhang Zhung was basically a nomadic civilization few traces of its physical presence remain. The history of Zhang Zhung, however, has been preserved in both Bon and Buddhist traditions. These sources mention the places where the people of Zhang Zhung lived and indicate the mountains and lakes that they considered sacred. The whole of Tibet in ancient times was known as the ‘Three Regions of Zhang Zhung”. Zhang Zhung is the source of Tibetan culture and history. The study of Zhang Zhung is extremely important if we are to understand the antiquity, unique nature and universal importance of Tibetan culture, past and present.” Chögyal Namkhai Norbu