The remarkable group of Japanese Buddhists who traveled to Chicago’s Columbian Exposition to participate in the 1893 World’s Parliament of Religions combined religious aspirations with nationalist ambitions. Their portrayal of Buddhism mirrored modern reforms in Meiji; Japan; and the historical context of cultural competition on display at the 1893 World’s Fair. Japan’s primary exhibit; the Ho-o; or phoenix; Pavilion; provided an impressive display of traditional culture as well as apt symbolism: for Japan’s modern rise to prominence; for Buddhist renewal succeeding devastating Meiji persecution; for Mahayana revitalization following withering attacks of Western critics; and for Chicago’s own resurrection from the ashes of the Great Fire. This book examines the Japanese delegates’ portrayal of Mahayana Buddhism as authentically ancient; pragmatically modern; scientifically consistent; and universally salvific. The Japanese delegates were active; and relatively successful agents who seized the opportunity of the 1893 forum to further their own objectives of promoting Japan and its Buddhism to the West; repairing negative evaluations of the «great vehicle» of Buddhism; differentiating Japanese Buddhism from the Buddhism of other countries; distinguishing their tradition as the evolutionary culmination of all religions; and shaping modern Buddhism in Asia and the West.
#743935 in Books 2010-09-21 2010-09-21Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.96 x .63 x 7.97l; 1.91 #File Name: 1426205457256 pages
Review
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Less about Cleopatra; more about recent fantastic findsBy Kathryn RThere is far more to Egypt than what lies on and under the sands. This book covers many of the newer discoveries from the waters near Alexandria. Hawass does touch briefly on the new search for the ultimate resting place of Cleopatra and the theory that she may have been interred somewhere other than the Egyptian capital. However; he concentrates on the new information and incredible finds collected by archeologists diving in the turbid Mediterranean waters that now conceal the legendary great harbor; its markets; its government buildings; and the royal residences that attracted scholars and traders to the city before Rome became the dominant power in the Mediterranean. The information is tantilizing and the photographs are fascinating. Scholars finally have a more realistic view of the period bracketed by the fall of the Ptolmeys and the rise of Rome. Hawass has yet to find his elusive queen; but he has significantly more information about her world; her palace; and perhaps even a hint of her face (portrayed as the Goddess Isis). The title may be misleading; but the book does offer new information about the life of Cleopatra. The material is fascinating and the book is definitely worth reading.12 of 12 people found the following review helpful. Cleopatra - The Search for the Last Queen of EgyptBy Virginia A. RogersThis is the catalogue for the exhibit of the same title. Having been to the exhibit in Philadelphia; PA in Nov. 2010; I feel that the title of the catalogue and exhibit is misleading. It's more about the search and discovery of atrifacts from Cleopatra's time; not artifacts belonging to Cleopatra. However; that being said; the book and exhibt are excellent; IMHO.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A Wonderful Book to Keep For EverBy melodyThis is a gorgeous book; professional and with stunning photos. It certainly didn't disappoint. I highly recommend it to readers who like Egypt and have an interest in artefacts retrieved from the past. Highly recommended.
