Did Marco Polo reach China? This richly illustrated companion volume to the public television film chronicles the remarkable two-year expedition of explorers Denis Belliveau and Francis O'Donnell as they sought the answer to this controversial 700-year-old question. With Polo's book; The Travels of Marco Polo; as their guide; they journeyed over 25;000 miles becoming the first to retrace his entire path by land and sea without resorting to helicopters or airplanes. Surviving deadly skirmishes and capture in Afghanistan; they were the first Westerners in a generation to cross its ancient forgotten passageway to China; the Wakhan Corridor. Their camel caravan on the southern Silk Road encountered the deadly singing sands of the Taklamakan and Gobi deserts. In Sumatra; where Polo was stranded waiting for trade winds; they lived with the Mentawai tribes; whose culture has remained unchanged since the Bronze Age. They became among the first Americans granted visas to enter Iran; where Polo fulfilled an important mission for Kublai Khan.Accompanied by 200 stunning full-color photographs; the text provides a fascinating account of the lands and peoples the two hardy adventurers encountered during their perilous journey. The authors' experiences are remarkably similar to descriptions from Polo's account of his own travels and life. Laden with adventure; humor; diplomacy; history; and art; this book is compelling proof that travel is the enemy of bigotry—a truth that resonates from Marco Polo's time to our own.
#110385 in Books Brian Daizen Victoria 2006-06-22Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.18 x .76 x 6.13l; .91 #File Name: 0742539261304 pagesZen At War
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. The shock value is not so great; as I've been aware of the basic contents ...By William KThe shock value is not so great; as I've been aware of the basic contents for sometime. Japan is an island and the Japanese are an insular people. The emphasis in their culture is group conformity. Zen is not the transformer of personality as it was once marketed; and it should not surprise us to learn that Zen leaders in Japan followed the lead of the Japanese government and Army into widespread war.5 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Fascinating historyBy Madame and Demoiselle DybalaI think most of us have an image of Zen Buddhism as gentle; kind; non-violent. And maybe it is in its teachings. But this study shows that follows of Zen Buddhism in Japan prior to WWII were as subject to the human condition as the rest of us.Big surprise.The war mongering and violence these people perpetrated is no better or worse than what the rest of us who profess to follow a religious pass come to. Think of "Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition." We do what we would not do.I think it is typical; too; that when we read about the philosophies or religious of another culture; we tend to see the best and forget to put it in a human context. All over the world; there are wonderful Christians; wonderful Muslims; wonderful Jews; wonderful Zen Buddhists; wonderful Tibetan Buddhists; wonderful Hindus; etc; etc. But is also just as equally true that you can find serial murderers in each group; mean spirited people; violent people; hateful people; and bigoted people. It is just the way reality cuts through the heart of things.So; I truly enjoyed this book. What I especially liked was the painstaking research that still produced a very readable work. And it is always enlightening to see the way spiritual words can be twisted to serve this world.I highly recommend this book.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A real eye openerBy KozenWell written; cruelly honest and it shattered my notion of Buddhist behavior. I am sad that the facts happened and thankful to have read about them. As a Buddhist; it was a reminder that we must be ever looking at our own practice. Do read this book.
