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Books: Text Books: Buddhism
A Little History of the Worldby E. H. Gombrich List Price: $25.00 Available from Amazon $15.75 On 7-21-2006 
See Item's Page From Publishers Weekly Starred Review. This is an unusual work for Yale: a children's history originally published 70 years ago. But it is a work one can quickly come to love. Gombrich, later known as an art historian, wrote this primer in 1935, when he was a young man in Vienna (it was soon banned by the Nazis as too "pacifist"). Rewritten (and updated) in English mainly by Gombrich himself (who died in 2001, age 92, while working on it), the book is still aimed at children, as the language makes clear: "Then, slowly the clouds parted to reveal the starry night of the Middle Ages." But while he addresses his readers directly at times, Gombrich never talks down to them. Using vivid imagery, storytelling and sly humor, he brings history to life in a way that adults as well as children can appreciate.The book displays a breadth of knowledge, as Gombrich begins with prehistoric man and ends with the close of WWII. In the final, newly added chapter, Gombrich's tone sadly darkens as he relates the rise of Hitler and his own escape from the Holocaust—children, he writes, "must learn from history how easy it is for human beings to be transformed into inhuman beings"—and ends on a note of cautious optimism about humanity's future. (Oct. 13) Copyright © Reed business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. From Booklist This is the first English translation of a book written in 1935 in German and translated into 18 languages. Thirty years later, a second German edition was published with a new final chapter. In 40 brief chapters, Gombrich relates the history of humankind from the Stone Age through World War II. In between are historic accounts of such topics as cave people and their inventions (including speech), ancient life along the Nile and in Mesopotamia and Greece, the growth of religion, the Dark Ages, the age of chivalry, the New World, and the Thirty Years' War. Much of this history is told through concise sketches of such figures as Confucius, Alexander the Great, Hannibal, Jesus Christ, Charlemagne, Leonardo da Vinci, Napoleon, and Columbus. Gombrich was asked to write a history geared to younger readers, so the book is filled with innumerable dates and facts, yet it is one to be read by adults. With 41 black-and-white woodcut illustrations and nine maps, it is a timeless and engaging narrative of the human race. George Cohen Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved |
Indo-Tibetan Buddhism: Indian Buddhists and Their Tibetan Successorsby David Snellgrove List Price: $45.00 Available from Amazon $28.35 On 7-21-2006
See Item's Page Book Description This volume provides a comprehensive survey of Indian Buddhism and its subsequent establishment in Tibet. It concentrates on the tantric period of Buddhist theory and practice, from the eighth to the thirteenth centuries, when the Tibetans were actively engaged in absorbing all they could find of Buddhist culture and religion into their own country. Snellgrove emphasizes the significant role played by the Central Asian kingdoms along the ancient Silk Route in the gradual process of Tibetan conversion. He draws convincingly upon documents of the time to illustrate the cultural changes that swept Tibet as a result of its rule over an extensive empire from the seventh to the ninth centuries—a period of history largely forgotten by the Tibetans themselves when they later embarked upon the wholesale importation of Buddhism directly from Northern India. Throughout, the author quotes extensively from numerous original sources, many of which have never before been translated into English. The illustrations include iconographic art as well as photographs of historical interest. Inside Flap Copy This volume provides a comprehensive survey of Indian Buddhism and its subsequent establishment in Tibet. It concentrates on the tantric period of Buddhist theory and practice, from the eighth to the thirteenth centuries, when the Tibetans were actively engaged in absorbing all they could find of Buddhist culture and religion into their own country. Snellgrove emphasizes on the significant role played by the Central Asian kingdoms along the ancient Silk Route in the gradual process of Tibetan conversion. He draws convincingly upon documents of the time to illustrate the cultural changes that swept Tibet as a result of its rule over an extensive empire from the seventh to the ninth centuries?a period of history largely forgotten by the Tibetans themselves when they later embarked upon the wholesale importation of Buddhism directly from Northern India. Throughout, the author quotes extensively from numerous original sources, many of which have never before been translated into English. The illustrations include iconographic art as well as photographs of historical interest. |
Mahayana Buddhism (Library of Religious Beliefs and Practices Series)by Paul Williams Available from Amazon $33.95 On 7-21-2006 
See Item's Page Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society "This will without doubt become a standard textbook on the Mahayana. Argument and assertions are throughout backed up by reference to primary sources and there are citations or quotations from texts on almost every page." Product Review The work is in fact an admirable introduction to the Mahayana traditions, both for the undergraduate student and others who wish to explore the `Great Vehicle.' Such a useful, up-to-date overview fills a real need. Moreover, its thorough references can be used as a basis for further study and research. –Religious Studies This will without doubt become a standard textbook on the Mahayana. Argument and assertions are throughout backed up by reference to primary sources and there are citations or quotations from texts on almost every page. |
An Introduction to Zen Buddhismby Daisetz Teitaro Suzuki List Price: $12.00 Available from Amazon $9.24 On 7-21-2006
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Buddha in Your Backpack: Everyday Buddhism for Teensby Franz Metcalf and Monk Song Yoon List Price: $12.95 Available from Amazon $9.97 On 7-21-2006
See Item's Page From School Library Journal Grade 8 Up-Metcalf straddles an interesting line with great success: avowedly evangelistic, his book nevertheless repeatedly reminds readers that Buddhism in general and the specific form of it embraced here are not likely to appeal to everyone. As such, the tone is both enthusiastic and testimonial without being pushy or "in your face." Whether discussing home and the family, school, self-image, sex, or drugs, the author's advice aims always at what is healthy and what reduces the amount of suffering in the world. Unlike other guides to living produced from a religious viewpoint, this book eschews discussion of morality and hews close to a practical line-not what is "good" but rather what is good for you. The author also emphasizes the necessity of self-awareness and rational independent decision making over rote following of rules-a stance that will raise hackles in many communities when the subject is teen sexuality or substance abuse. Metcalf also surveys the life and basic teachings of Buddha and makes recommendations for those who want to attempt to walk the path of Buddhism. He examines various schools of the religion, gives instructions for types of meditation, and explains that incorporating Buddhist principles into one's life need not mean a conversion to Buddhism or renunciation of other religious affiliations. While its frank and nonjudgmental approach to certain areas of teenage life will likely lead to censure in some corners, Buddha in Your backpack is flush with good advice, sensibly given. As such it should prove useful both to students interested in Buddhism and to others who simply need good counsel. In fact, Metcalf's approach is so down-to-earth and inviting that many adults may sneak it off the shelves for themselves. Coop Renner, Blackshear Elementary School, Austin, TX Copyright 2003 Reed business Information, Inc. From Booklist Gr. 7-12. Most YA guide-to-life books try to be hip by using lots of soon-to-be-dated slang, but here's a handbook to teendom that wins its hipness the hard way: by using good humor and the wisdom of a 2,500-year-old man. After introducing Siddhartha Buddha by focusing on his childhood, Metcalf outlines the four "simple" truths of Buddhism, using them as the foundation for his guidance. It's all about learning to live with dukkha, or suffering, whether that means overprotective parents, bratty siblings, or drama-queen pals. Taking inner action to resolve your outer problems, Metcalf says, is often (but not always) the best solution because teens (like the rest of us) often find themselves in situations of powerlessness. It may sound boring, but Metcalf makes Buddhism fun and funny ("Dukkha happens") without shying away from difficult issues like drugs and sex. His refusal to condemn such supposed vices might trouble some parents, but teens will treasure it. This is the rare advice book that kids won't be ashamed to have in their backpacks. John Green Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved |
Buddhism for Dummiesby Jonathan Landaw and Stephan Bodian List Price: $21.99 Available from Amazon $14.29 On 7-21-2006
See Item's Page Product Review “…another interesting title that seems written for anything but dummies…” (Alain de Botton in The Observer, July 4th, 2004) Book Description From the outside, Buddhism seems like a bundle of contradictions wrapped inside a paradox. It is a religion without a god, a belief system without rules, and a faith that encourages its adherents to question everything, including its own teachings. You could spend a lifetime studying Buddhist texts and following its observances and still feel like you’ve only just barely scratched the surface. Yet, over the past 2500 years, this lovely religion that preaches compassion, generosity, tolerance, selflessness and self-awareness has commanded the fervent devotion of hundreds of millions of people around the world who believe it to be the true path to enlightenment. If you’re curious about Buddhism but feel intimidated by all the exotic jargon and strange trappings, this book is for you. Written by two leading American Buddhist teachers and scholars, it offers you a uniquely friendly way to explore the fascinating history of Buddhism and discover:
In plain English, experts Jonathan Landaw and Stephan Bodian define the important terms, explain the key concepts and explore, in-depth a wide range of topics, including:
Whether you’re a searcher of truth, a student of religions, or just curious about what’s got Richard Gere and all the rest of those celebrity Buddhists so excited, Buddhism For Dummies is your intro to Buddhism basics.
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Essential Tibetan Buddhismby Robert A. Thurman List Price: $14.95 Available from Amazon $10.46 On 7-21-2006 
See Item's Page Product Review In this highly readable collection, Robert Thurman brings together the jewels of Tibetan literature that have made their own distinctive contribution to "the great river of Buddhism." He introduces the selection with an overview of essential Buddhist thought, orienting the reader with a history of Buddhism's development, from its origins in India, expansion across Asia, and flowering on Tibetan soil. Explaining the distinctive attainment of Tibetan Buddhist civilization as "the vivid sense of Buddhas in ordinary, daily reality," Thurman guides readers through selections that speak to the possibility of liberation for all beings. Stressing also the importance of the teacher or mentor figure in Tibetan Buddhist practice, he presents key texts from teachers whose words serve as inspiration to those seeking the path toward enlightenment. Excerpts culled from the vastness of the Tibetan canon include the hymns to the liberator goddess Tara, pieces from The Tibetan Book of the Dead, writings on mentor worship from the first Panchen Lama, and selections from esoteric tantric practice texts. The volume ends with the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize lecture by Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso, illustrating the enduring relevance of this ancient wisdom for modern life. --Uma Kukathas --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. From Library Journal Thurman, who holds the first endowed chair in Indo-Tibetan Buddhist studies in America (at Columbia Univ.) and cofounded Tibet House in New York City, presents an introductory text of sorts, with a useful selection from representative texts. (LJ 3/1/96) Copyright 1999 Reed business Information, Inc. |
Fire from Heaven: The Rise of Pentecostal Spirituality and the Reshaping of Religion in the 21st Centuryby Harvey Cox List Price: $18.95 Available from Amazon $12.32 On 7-21-2006 
See Item's Page From Publishers Weekly Pentecostal Christianity, which emphasizes the immediate experience of God through speaking in tongues, trance and ecstatic bodily motion, is not a backward-looking movement, declares Harvard theologian Cox (The Secular City), but an ecumenical force that speaks to the spiritual emptiness of our time by tapping the core of human religiousness. The author describes his visits to Pentecostal churches from Boston to Rio de Janeiro to Seoul. He delineates the movement's interracial beginnings in Los Angeles at the turn of the century, tracks its lightning spread around the globe and explores the pivotal role of women, which led, he asserts, to a conception of a nonjudgmental God with "distinctively feminine" qualities, making Pentecostalism a force challenging patriarchal cultures around the world. Cox expresses his misgivings about "unattractive political and theological currents" in the U.S. Pentecostal movement, including a fixation on demonic spirits and a "dominion theology" that supports ultraconservative public policy. An engrossing and illuminating report. Copyright 1994 Reed business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. From Library Journal Cox (The Silencing of Leonard Boff, Meyer Stone Bks., 1988) gives an objective view of Pentecostalism. He is neither an insider nor a skeptic. In this study, he includes descriptions of his own experiences and reactions in Pentecostal churches as well as an accurate history of the movement's origins and development. He looks at its rapid growth in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America as well as in the United States. The author finds reason for both hope and misgivings in this popular religious revival and its relationship to late 20th-century society. Cox feels that both science and traditional religion have been rejected by many people as sources of ultimate meaning. He feels Pentecostals have tapped into genuine spiritual energies but warns that "the fire from heaven can burn and destroy as well as purify and inspire." This is a reasoned, dispassionate study; recommended for academic and public libraries. C. Robert Nixon, MLS, Lafayette, Ind. Copyright 1994 Reed business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. |
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