'Skilful Means' is the key principle of Mahayana; one of the great Buddhist traditions. First described in the Lotus Sutra; it originates in myths of the Buddha's compassionate plans for raising life from the ceaseless round of birth and death. His strategies or interventions are 'skilful means' - morally wholesome tricks devised for the purpose of enabling nirvana or enlightenment. Michael Pye's clear and engaging introductory guide investigates the meaning and context of skilful means in Mayahana Buddhist teachings; whilst tracing its early origins in ancient Japanese and Theravada thought. First published in 1978; and still the best explanation of the concept; it illuminates a core working philosophy essential for any complete understanding of Buddhism.
#3155699 in Books Lawrence Sondhaus 2001-01-24 2001-01-24Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.10 x .62 x 6.10l; .90 #File Name: 0415214785272 pagesNaval Warfare 1815 1914
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Excellent OverviewBy DC ReaderFor readers interested in the history of navies; this is a tremendously useful basic source. Its title is a bit misleading: While it briefly summarizes virtually every naval engagement between the end of the Napoleonic and the beginning of the First World Wars; it is more a history of naval policy than of naval combat. The author has assembled a wealth of relatively obscure detail on ship-building programs; doctrinal developments; and technological change. The presentation is straightforwardly factual; without a great deal of analysis; but full of interest and information.3 of 4 people found the following review helpful. The story of the battleship told in detailBy Paul Eckler"Naval Warfare; 1815-1914;" by Lawrence Sondhaus; Warfare and History series; Roudedge; NY; 2001. This 263-page paperback tells the story of naval warfare from the days of wooden sailing ships through the transition to iron clads to steel hulls; the adoption of steam power; and the conversion to gun turrets. The end result is the modern battleship.The story is told with a detailed description of the warships of all the naval powers of each era. Gradually ideas are adopted; tried in battle; and when successful; refined and improved. The competitive nature of an arms race drives each player to test the latest ideas at the first opportunity and to improve on them to their physical limits.The language here is professional and concise. This book will be of greatest interest to those who follow military history. Bibliography; photographs; index.
