Not since the Crusades of the Middle Ages has Islam evoked the degree of fear; hostility; and ethnic and religious stereotyping that is evident throughout Western culture today. As conflicts continue to proliferate around the globe; the perception of a colossal; unyielding; and unavoidable struggle between Islam and the West has intensified. These numerous conflicts; both actual and ideological; have revived fears of an ongoing "clash of civilizations"―an intractable and irreconcilable conflict of values between Western cultures and an Islam that is portrayed as hostile and alien. The New Crusades takes head-on the idea of an emergent "Cold War" between Islam and the West. It explores the historical; political; and institutional forces that have raised the specter of a threatening and monolithic Muslim enemy and provides a nuanced critique of much received wisdom on the topic; particularly the "clash of civilizations" theory. Bringing together twelve of the most influential thinkers in Middle Eastern and religious studies―including Edward Said; Roy Mottahedeh; and Fatema Mernissi―this timely collection confronts such depictions of the Arab-Islamic world; showing their inner workings and how they both empower and shield from scrutiny Islamic radicals who operate from similar paradigms of inevitable and absolute conflict.
#151990 in Books Burton Watson 2000-08-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.54 x .57 x 5.48l; .56 #File Name: 0231106572192 pagesThe Vimalakirti Sutra
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A book to adopt as one's spiritual aspirationBy HsiaoshuangThe teaching is easy to understand in this translation although I don't think I can follow most of them. For the benefit of everybody; I reproduce this memorable passage from the Vimalakirti Sutra that you may want to incorporate as your spiritual aspiration:Pleasure of the Dharmafrom the Vimalakirti SutraFrom now on; you should devote yourselves to find joy in the pleasure of the Dharma; and should take no pleasure in desires.What is the joy in the pleasure of the Dharma?It is the joy of unbreakable faith in the Buddha; of wishing to hear the Dharma; of serving the Sangha and honouring the spiritual benefactors without pride.It is the joy of renunciation of the whole world; of not being fixed in objects; of considering the five aggregates to be like murderers; of considering the elements to be like venomous serpents; and of considering the sense media to be like an empty town.It is the joy of always guarding the spirit of enlightenment; of helping living beings; of sharing through generosity; of not slackening in morality; of control and tolerance in patience; of thorough cultivation of virtue by effort; of total absorption in meditation; and of absence of passions in wisdom.It is the joy of extending enlightenment; of conquering Mara; of destroying the passions; and of purifying the Buddha field.It is the joy of accumulating all virtues; in order to cultivate the auspicious marks and signs. It is the joy of the liberation of non-intimidation when hearing the profound teaching.It is the joy of exploration of the three doors of liberation; and of the realisation of liberation. It is the joy of being an ornament of the seat of enlightenment; and of not attaining liberation at the wrong time.It is the joy of serving those of equal fortune; of not hating or resenting those of superior fortune; of serving the spiritual benefactors; and of avoiding sinful friends. It is the joy of the superior gladness of faith and devotion to the Dharma.It is the joy of acquiring liberation techniques and of the conscious cultivation of the aids to enlightenment. Thus the Bodhisattva admires and finds joy in the delights of the Dharma.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Expand Your Appreciation of Classic Buddhist WritingsBy K. B. BurginThis is a superb translation of a classic of Buddhist sacred writings. The author has taken a work written in Chinese in the year 406 C.E. and made it accessible; understandable and enjoyable for the modern reader..1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A Classic of Eastern ThoughtBy AnticsThe Vilmalakirtri Sutra is a classic in Mahayana Buddhism. A must read for any student of Buddhism. I do recommend reading the Diamond Sutra first as this Sutra refers to previous Sutra and revises the teaching. It is a classic in Eastern Thought.
