Despite the rapid spread of Buddhism―especially the esoteric system of Tantra; one of its most popular yet most misunderstood forms―the historical origins of Buddhist thought and practice remain obscure. This groundbreaking work describes the genesis of the Tantric movement in early medieval India; where it developed as a response to; and in some ways an example of; the feudalization of Indian society. Drawing on primary documents―many translated for the first time―from Sanskrit; Prakrit; Tibetan; Bengali; and Chinese; Ronald Davidson shows how changes in medieval Indian society; including economic and patronage crises; a decline in women's participation; and the formation of large monastic orders; led to the rise of the esoteric tradition in India that became the model for Buddhist cultures in China; Tibet; and Japan.
#453822 in Books Paul A Townsend 1998-04-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.94 x 1.12 x 5.95l; 1.40 #File Name: 0231106513428 pagesHistory in Three Keys The Boxers as Event Experience and Myth
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. A fascinating view of the Boxers little seen by Western eyesBy J. F. BenedettoCohen's books is one of the few reference works I have found that explains not only the Boxers (the Yihequan) but also goes into significant detail regarding the Red Lanterns (the Hongdengzhao; -- the female Boxers). It even includes a handful of contemporary representations of the Red Lanterns I have yet to see anywhere else; along with an in-depth analysis of how these Chinese females fit into the Boxer Rebellion. Given how little contemporary Chinese males thought of women; the very existence of the Red Lanterns as a powerful supportive force in the uprising against the foreigners and the Christians is all the more remarkable; yet their role is all but ignored in most historical treatments of the Boxer Rebellion; so this book is a welcome addition to the history of the Boxers. The book covers the original events of the Boxers as well as their cultural aftermath in China up until the modern day; has many interesting photographs and period Chinese illustrations; as well as over 70 pages of notes explaining points in the text. For people used to reading about the Boxer Rebellion as seen through Western eyes; Cohen's work -- of the Boxers as Event; Experience and Myth -- is an interesting counterpoint; and one worth studying.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. DifferentBy Terry TuckerThis is a very interesting book. Well done; as it looks at the Boxer rebellion through myth; as an event and as an experience. The author looks at this event in a holistic way; for example; this passage from page 9 of the book: " The Boxer episode; too; formed part of a plurality of larger event structures (but not confined to) the pattern of recurrent domestic violence in the late imperial era; the growing problem of rural breakdown; the history of conflicts between Christians and non-Christians from the mid-nineteenth century on; and Sino-foreign diplomatic relations. "4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. A refreshing work of historyBy J. LeeI bought this book for its China centered content; and I was not let down; but what I liked best about this work is that Professor Cohen weaves in a fourth component; a discourse on what historians actually do. Just as he divides the Boxer Movement into the above noted three parts he does so as well with the historical craft itself; in the process explaining his development as a historian and seriously examining in what ways history itself can have value greater than myth and commonly held beliefs. Cohen approaches history in a modest; human; and clear thinking way which makes this highly academic work also highly enjoyable to read. I enthusiastically recommend this wonderful book to anybody that is interested in Chinese society; Chinese history; or the art of making history.
