Tengu and the Sage is a thrilling action love story that defies the ages. In a time and place beyond anything and anyone, a man questions all that he has come to know to understand a smile that captures his heart. When the heart overrides destiny, which will you choose?
“Auerback has produced an entirely original history of Japanese Buddhism . . . a major contribution to the field. This book is exemplary.” —D. Max Moerman, author of The Japanese Buddhist World Map Since its arrival in Japan in the sixth century, Buddhism has played a central role in Japanese culture. But the historical figure of the Buddha, the prince of ancient Indian descent who abandoned his wealth and power to become an awakened being, has repeatedly disappeared and reappeared, emerging each time in a different form and to different ends. A Storied Sage traces this transformation of concepts of the Buddha, from Japan’s ancient period in the eighth century to the end of the Meiji period in the early twentieth century. Micah L. Auerback follows the changing fortune of the Buddha through the novel uses for the Buddha’s story in high and low culture alike, often outside of the confines of the Buddhist establishment. Auerback argues for the Buddha’s continuing relevance during Japan’s early modern period and links the later Buddhist tradition in Japan to its roots on the Asian continent. Additionally, he examines the afterlife of the Buddha in hagiographic literature, demonstrating that the late Japanese Buddha, far from fading into a ghost of his former self, instead underwent an important reincarnation. Challenging many established assumptions about Buddhism and its evolution in Japan, A Storied Sage is a vital contribution to the larger discussion of religion and secularization in modernity. “The point where this study blossoms with voluminous detail is when developments in historiography made biographies of the Buddha controversial in the early modern era . . . Auerback’s coverage of these debates is exceedingly thorough.” —Journal of Japanese Studies
Detectives Rob, Jim, Victor, and the enigmatic Nira uncover a conspiracy tied to ancient scrolls written by aliens known as "Watchers" or fallen angels. These scrolls hold secrets of a pivotal weapon with the power to reshape humanity's destiny. As they race against time and confront dangerous human and alien adversaries, can they unravel the truth behind humanity's origins and thwart a hidden agenda with devastating consequences?
Even readers with no particular interest in Japan - if such odd souls exist - may expect unexpected pleasure from this book if English metaphysical poetry, grooks, hyperlogical nonsense verse, outrageous epigrams, the (im)possibilities and process of translation between exotic tongues, the reason of puns and rhyme, outlandish metaphor, extreme hyperbole and whatnot tickle their fancy. Read together with The Woman Without a Hole, also by Robin D. Gill, the hitherto overlooked ulterior side of art poetry in Japan may now be thoroughly explored by monolinguals, though bilinguals and students of Japanese will be happy to know all the original Japanese is included.--amazon.com.
Is there a Buddhist discourse on sex? In this innovative study, Bernard Faure reveals Buddhism's paradoxical attitudes toward sexuality. His remarkably broad range covers the entire geography of this religion, and its long evolution from the time of its founder, Xvkyamuni, to the premodern age. The author's anthropological approach uncovers the inherent discrepancies between the normative teachings of Buddhism and what its followers practice. Framing his discussion on some of the most prominent Western thinkers of sexuality--Georges Bataille and Michel Foucault--Faure draws from different reservoirs of writings, such as the orthodox and heterodox "doctrines" of Buddhism, and its monastic codes. Virtually untapped mythological as well as legal sources are also used. The dialectics inherent in Mahvyvna Buddhism, in particular in the Tantric and Chan/Zen traditions, seemed to allow for greater laxity and even encouraged breaking of taboos. Faure also offers a history of Buddhist monastic life, which has been buffeted by anticlerical attitudes, and by attempts to regulate sexual behavior from both within and beyond the monastery. In two chapters devoted to Buddhist homosexuality, he examines the way in which this sexual behavior was simultaneously condemned and idealized in medieval Japan. This book will appeal especially to those interested in the cultural history of Buddhism and in premodern Japanese culture. But the story of how one of the world's oldest religions has faced one of life's greatest problems makes fascinating reading for all.
In volume 1, the grand griffin rescues the four monarchs from the temple of remorse, only to later install the life lesson of forgiveness. Volume 2 sees two sprites learn the lesson of listening to your elders wise instruction and waiting for reward. Volume 3 sees the Oni king make the best out of a bad situation by being good. Volume 4 shows you should not put too much responsibility on those who are not worthy of it. Volume 5 shows if you have a passion, follow it, and in Volume 6, the four monarchs learn their lesson. Ninarphay Tales is not only fun and thrilling; it is also timeless and heartwarminga good all-round read.
For over forty years, the name Virginia Atchley has been synonymous with the collecting fo miniature Japanese arts in America. Virginia Atchley has now decided to share her collection with other aficionados in this book. Detailed here are over 400 pieces, with signatures.
A Trilogy Reborn, is a title conjured by noted author James Blackthorne. If we have eyes to see the reader will notice a combination of Sagas that are bristling with adventure. The reader will experience real thrills; It's as if the magician uttered his magic words. The trilogy is broken down in a manner that the reader can take in several compelling themes set in exotic settings. The author succeeds in detaching a shadow of the moody black walls and provides us with an array of lively flesh and blood characters. Blackthorn's heart started beating again." I can't pick up what's going on these days," the sources said, swaying his head sadly," but I found a feeling something strange is behind it.In most cases the hero of the story has to fall out is usually the difficult path, the more upright style. He never experiences a quick death'. For example, in Leon's case, his beliefs are genuine. He's not just a wizard, but humanitarian. He believes if necessary, he must sacrifice himself on the cold slab of the heathen altar. In more than one instance, he was willing to perish by a blade he had honed, wielded by the very arm that had given strength skill and consciousness." "An intuitive feeling has risen in the world's heart today that somehow our lives are one." The prolific author spoke of an idea that he had envisioned remotely in his psyche. He envisioned the omniscient potent foe unsheathing his terrible anger and disappointment. . Blackthorne illustrated how there are no unrelated, warring factions, somewhere a splendid unity exists behind the apparent diversity. " We can reveal that hidden thread of being and purpose that seems to marry up the whole. Even the stars and galaxies of other worlds are destined to become part of one harmonious mass." For the moment, the author felt a sudden twinge of fear as his innards shifted violently. Along the spur of the moment, the fear was gone, replaced by a strong pulse of excitement.. "Why should he be afraid," he asked himself?" He could be likened to the characters in his books. James explained how long ago, he had readied himself for such exigencies. Blackthorne explained. "From an author's point of view, you generally do better if you're close to your character. Yet you don't desire to be quite as close as you would like to be from the viewpoint of building up your creativity.".Come meet the cast of exciting characters as they are involved in this Fine Fantasy firmly rooted, in reality, there's a strong focus on one of the leading characters called the Grand Wizard Leon Davith. It's common for Leon to join powers with his Golem son called Barson Wolfe. Blackstone translated his comments into velocity at times he requires the reader to stiffen in order to meet the shock. Still, no story is complete without including the feminine factions. Bards gal pal referred to as Quill, who is an alluring young sorceress. Meanwhile, she stood in the company of two beautiful ferries called Erin and Leda. Erin commented to Quill. " Our alibi's sound so good in theory, but in reality, what we experience is a different means of narrating the story." Leon nodded. However, Quill explained. I can't help the rumination of my thoughts." For a minute there was no response. Leda remarked, "my gut feeling informs me that this trip delivers a few glitches, is about more than just some ancient relic." " Stop that" Erin said. " I suffer a strange impression, whatever or wherever it is we're being summoned there." Leda's eyes opened full. " My curiosities got me., why are we summoned and for what person purpose?" Leon commented. " Simmer down ladies, it's best to catch some rest before the big day"