In an attempt to reconstruct an elusive aspect of the medieval Chinese imagination; The Eminent Monk examines biographies of Chinese Buddhist monks; from the uncompromising ascetic to the unfathomable wonder-worker. While analyzing images of the monk in medieval China; the author addresses some questions encountered along the way: What are we to make of accounts in “eminent monk†collections of deviant monks who violate monastic precepts? Who wrote biographies of monks and who read them? How did different segments of Chinese society contend for the image of the monk and which image prevailed? By placing biographies of monks in the context of Chinese political and religious rhetoric; The Eminent Monk explores both the role of Buddhist literature in Chinese history and the monastic imagination that inspired this literature.
#216167 in Books 2015-03-02Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 6.00 x .90 x 8.90l; .0 #File Name: 0823239519310 pages
Review
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. A Revelation of Lives Well LivedBy Stuart R. LoughboroughThis book is a revelation of lives well lived. Two Hundred and Sixty Years ago (June 4; 1752) Yarrow Mamout arrived at the port of Annapolis Maryland and began a life in a new land. 260 years later sitting in my living room I was able to read the remarkable story of Yarrow Maout's life and the lives of his descendants. I use the word remarkable because to have had his portrait painted twice was itself remarkable but to now have his story and that of his family told in such detail and with such love just adds to the remarkableness that began in June 1752.I know that James Johnston was amazed at the portrait that was painted by James Simpson in 1822 and is in the Peabody Room of the Georgetown Library. I have a gut feeling that Yarrow Mamout looked out at Mr. Johnston and was saying; "please tell my story" and what a story that needs to be heard by many of us today in 2012.On reflection I have to say that one thing amazed me was that Yarrow Mamout remained a faithful Muslim all his life. He practiced his faith faithfully and even when Mr. Johnston and Nancy Kassner; then archaeologist of the District of Columbia; looked for his grave they looked in the place where Yarrow Mamout would have gone to pray; the south east corner facing Mecca. His faithfulnes to his faith must have been a remarkable witness to the Beall family as well as all who knew him and should be a witness to all of us.If all of us could have some small degree of the spirit that Yarrow Mamout had we would be far better for it.12 of 13 people found the following review helpful. An Astonishing StoryBy Ronald M. JohnsonWith clear writing and impressive detail; James H. Johnston provides his readers with the truly remarkable saga of Yarrow Mamout; the African who arrived in the English colonies in 1752; spent over four decades as a slave; and lived on in Georgetown (now part of Washington; D.C). As others have noted; there are two compelling reasons why one should read this book: the incredible life that Yarrow lived; from beginning to end; and; secondly; the masterful way that the author researched and narrated the book. Johnston is as careful and meticulous a historian of what he has uncovered as anyone would ever want to have the pleasure of reading. In his hands; Yarrow and the world that he was forced into by slavery comes alive in all respects. For any reader interested in seeing through contemporary Washington; D.C. and the broader geographic area into the early 19th century; i.e. life on Dent Place; N.W. Washington then and now as an example; this is the book. It will transport you back into an earlier time in a way you could never imagine.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Fascinating ReadBy C. RayThis book gives you an amazing sense of life for a slave in the northern states from the 1700 until after the Civil War. It is also a story that will inspire and amaze you with the lives of so many families; black and white; that shaped the Washington D.C. Area.
