Though traditionally regarded as a peaceful religion; Buddhism has a dark side. On multiple occasions over the past fifteen centuries; Buddhist leaders have sanctioned violence; and even war. The eight essays in this book focus on a variety of Buddhist traditions; from antiquity to the present; and show that Buddhist organizations have used religious images and rhetoric to support military conquest throughout history. Buddhist soldiers in sixth century China were given the illustrious status of Bodhisattva after killing their adversaries. In seventeenth century Tibet; the Fifth Dalai Lama endorsed a Mongol ruler's killing of his rivals. And in modern-day Thailand; Buddhist soldiers carry out their duties undercover; as fully ordained monks armed with guns. Buddhist Warfare demonstrates that the discourse on religion and violence; usually applied to Judaism; Islam; and Christianity; can no longer exclude Buddhist traditions. The book examines Buddhist military action in Tibet; China; Korea; Japan; Mongolia; Sri Lanka; and Thailand; and shows that even the most unlikely and allegedly pacifist religious traditions are susceptible to the violent tendencies of man.
#66748 in Books 2009-03Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 6.10 x 1.60 x 9.20l; 2.10 #File Name: 0195382927704 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. 'Condensed' military history of the American Revolution.By CrazyOkieYears ago I read Shelby Foote's fantastic; comprehensive trilogy on the Civil War. An extraordinarily detailed; exhaustive account of the Civil War; it was just too exhaustive in some respects. It was not easy to read and at times it was just plain dull.I'm a military buff; though; so I enjoyed reading it for the descriptions of the battles and the personalities of the various military personnel. "Almost a Miracle" is in the same vein but covers not the Civil War but the American Revolution and focuses mostly - but not entirely - on the military aspects of the war. Unlike Foote's effort; "Almost a Miracle" is never dull and it really helps you understand the various battles and the armies that fought them.I was born and raised in this country; but "Almost a Miracle" taught me a lot that I didn't know about the American Revolution. I learned a lot about Washington; Gates; Lee; and Cornwallis - among many others - that I didn't previously know. Thanks to this book I have a far better appreciation of the war in the southern states; battles that have been virtually ignored in history classes that were too focused on Trenton and Yorktown. I had never heard of General Greene before I read this book and what a shame that was.I agree that the author is far too kind to Gates; who really was not the general responsible for the victory at Saratoga. But I do appreciate that while he shows Washington's glaring errors in strategy and tactics he nevertheless concludes that Washington was indeed the right man at the right time.Highly recommended. This should be mandatory reading in history classes!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Very good; but dense.By Chris RandleI've read a few of Ferling's books and they are generally very good. This is another good one; but it's dense and almost like a textbook with its detail. Certainly one of the best books out there if you want to know all there is to know about the American Revolution. Very good and well written; but not a light read.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Superior review of politics; the change from European Battle Tactics to a hit and run guerilla war. Many British victories PyrrhBy numa r laicheValidates facts that many of us as military students suspected and or knew. GB was not as ready; willing nor able to fight a war with major supply line problems. GB treasury hurting from French war on NA Continent. Combat experience of a great many Colonial leaders superior to British. Manpower in Colonies exceeded GB in numbers and capable of fighting on NA terrain etc. GB hired Mercenaries to fill the gaps. Mercenaries are rarely reliable. Gives insight into Parliaments divisions in waging this far off war.
