This book explores the experience of Canadians who chose to convert to Buddhism and to embrace its teachings and practices in their daily lives. It presents the life stories of eight Canadians who first encountered Buddhism between the late 1960s and the 1980s; and are now ordained or lay Buddhist teachers.In recent census records; over 300;000 Canadians identified their religious affiliation as Buddhist. The great majority are of Asian origin and were born into Buddhist families or were Buddhist at the time of their arrival in Canada. Since the late 1960s; however; the number of Canadians converting to Buddhism has doubled every decade; and this demographic now includes more than 20;000 individuals. The eight Canadians whose life stories are featured in this book are among the very first to have chosen Buddhism. Their first-hand accounts shed light on why and how people convert to a religion from such distant shores. This book also offers contextual material (photos and texts) that complements the eight life stories. This material is meant to help readers enrich their understanding of the life stories by offering them the information they need to better grasp the meaning of the Buddhist notions mentioned; and the broader historical and spiritual contexts of the biographical accounts. While this book will be of interest to specialists because of the first-hand accounts; it is primarily aimed at a wider audience interested in Buddhism; religions or spirituality in general. It will also be of use to teachers whose courses touch upon any of these subjects. By combining life stories and contextual material; and placing an emphasis on the concrete experiences of Canadians with whom readers can identify; this book is an introduction to Buddhism and to what it means to lead a Buddhist life in contemporary Canada.
#39918 in Books Image 2014-03-11 2014-03-11Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.53 x .90 x 5.74l; .75 #File Name: 0770435459208 pagesImage
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Presenting an Ever Clearer Picture of The Jewish Roots of ChristianityBy MarkEvery Christian should read this book. This book is an easy read and is hard to put down. You will find the light being shed on subjects concerning the meaning of Jesus words and how they relate and are an integral part of Jewish history. Knowing how all the pieces of the puzzle fit together is but one of the main objectives of this book. Dr. Pitre is thorough as well as organized in his presentation of the subject matter especially of course; the bridegroom. And talk about references! Brant Pitre leaves hardly a stone unturned and I felt at times he gave us a little too much information; but it is all there and to think he is only scratching the surface. Yes; buy yourself a copy of this book. I could go on and on about it but why not just get a copy and find out for yourself. You won't be disappointed!4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. An Excellent And Insightful Book On A Vital SubjectBy GerhardI have enjoyed listening to Dr. Pitre on "The Son Rise Morning Show" and generally find his comments and insights to be very good and helpful. This book is right in line with that. Dr. Pitre writes in a very understandable; easy to follow style. The reader will never "get lost". He begins by showing the rich Old Testament background and quite convincingly shows that the God of Israel pictures Himself as a Bridegroom who wishes to unite with His people in such a close/ intimate way that it can be rightly described as a marriage. He makes good use of the Old Testament prophetic usage of marriage and wedding imagery that refer to God as Bridegroom and Messiah. Using New Testament accounts from our Lord's life; Dr. Pitre demonstrates that Jesus shows Himself to be the Divine Bridegroom--and thus the long awaited Messiah; the God come in the flesh to forgive His sinful people and unite Himself to her in an everlasting covenant of love. By his presentation; Dr. Pitre clearly shows the continuity of Old and New Testaments and that Jesus; the Savior; is the content of both. This book can; in general; be used profitably by both Roman Catholic and non-Roman Catholic readers. It is also very helpful in bringing out what marriage really is and is not--a very vital topic today.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Glorious!By Karen Jo GreenawaltKarenI loved how Brant Pitre systematically goes through the scriptures and details the Bridegroom and Bride. His Jewish examples and the intricate understanding ancient of marriage rituals makes what was just a bland understanding of scripture into one of the most beautiful mysteries revealed. From the Garden of Eden to New Jerusalem; from wedding bath rituals to bringing the bride home; Pitre helps us see the grand design of God manifested in Jesus our Bridegroom and the greatest love story ever told.
