The Lotus Sutra--one of the most popular Buddhist classics--is here accessibly introduced by one of its most eminent scholars."Soon after entering university in December of 1943; I was sent to the front as a student soldier. I wondered if I were allowed to bring but a single book on the trip; possibly to my death; which would I want to bring. It was the Lotus Sutra" -- from the author's Preface. Having developed a lifelong appreciation of the Lotus Sutra -- even carrying a dog-eared copy with him through service in World War II -- Yoshiro Tamura sought to author an introduction to this beloved work of Buddhist literature. Tamura wanted it to be different than other basic explorations of the text; his introduction would be plain-spoken; relevant and sensitive to modern concerns; and well-informed by contemporary scholarship. He succeeded marvelously with Introduction to the Lotus Sutra; which Gene Reeves -- Tamura's student and translator of the popular English edition of The Lotus Sutra -- translates and introduces in English for the first time here. Tackling issues of authenticity in the so-called "words of Buddha;" the influence of culture and history on the development of the Lotus Sutra; and the sutra's role in Japanese life; Introduction to the Lotus Sutra grounds this ancient work of literature in the real; workaday world; revealing its continued appeal across the ages.
#433239 in Books MELVILLE HOUSE 2015-09-28 2015-09-28Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.20 x .70 x 5.50l; .81 #File Name: 1612194575272 pagesMELVILLE HOUSE
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Byron's daughter...By eledavf VivianI chose this book only as a general biography of Ada Lovelace since I know nothing about science or mathematics and have no interest in them.This book gives full justice to a woman of astonishing intellect and immense consequence for the modern world as one who foresaw and even diligently worked out how a computer could be constructed. The author states that it is "abundantly reasonable to describe her as a genius."Until her death at the age of thirty-three; she co-operated closely with Charles Babbage in planning such a machine; and it was her brilliant mind that found new ways of thinking about the problems presented.It is true that the reader gleans a significant understanding of the cooperation of Ada Lovelace and Charles Babbage in the working out of the principles behind a computer and of Ada's leading role in the enterprise. So that insight alone makes this recital of the details worth the reader's time.But there is also an interesting and full account of the role played by the Jacquard loom in the inspiration for the Babbage prototype. For an understanding of Babbage's difficulties in developing his prototype this book will no doubt answer your questions.One surprising revelation for me was the true character of her mother; Lord Byron's widow. This woman's miserable nature is revealed in the final agonizing days of her gifted daughter. No wonder Ada chose to be buried beside her father; where her mother would never intrude. (After writing this; I read the much; much better book -- the biography of Ada's mother; "Lady Byron and Her Daughters" by Julia Markus -- which exonerates Lady Byron of all the old accusations and prejudices leveled against her. I highly recommend that book.)Unfortunately this book is poorly edited; there are missing words which radically affect the meaning of several important sentences. I would say that the editing; if there was any; was extremely sloppy.Also because of its careless style; I cannot rank this book beyond three stars.It is often a frustrating read.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Adored this book.By JessicaI adored this book. Essinger managed to incorporate context into Ada's tale; something that so many people fail to do when they're hung up on one particular story. I learned so much. It's very inspiration for people learning to code today.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Misleading titleBy Darwin SantosThe title is utterly misleading; I was looking for her contributions to programming; I ended up reading a compilation of references and personal opinions.
