In the first of four volumes on A History of the Jews and Judaism in the Second Temple Period; Lester Grabbe presents a comprehensive history of Yehud - the Aramaic name for Judah - during the Persian Period. Among the many crucial questions he addresses are: What are the sources for this period and how do we evaluate them? And how do we make them 'speak' to us through the fog of centuries? This first volume; Yehud: A History of the Persian Province of Judah offers the most up to date and comprehensive examination of the political and administrative structures; the society and economy; the religion; temple and cult; the developments in thought and literature; and the major political events of Judah at the time.
#257618 in Books Unknown 2001-05-29 2001-05-29Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.30 x .70 x 6.10l; .84 #File Name: 0553379089324 pagesBones of the Master: A Journey to Secret Mongolia
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. I laughed; I cried; I offered incense; I bowed.By A CustomerThis book will have an honored place on my bookshelf next to Lama Govinda's 'The Way of the White Clouds'; Lama David-Neel's 'Magic and Mystery in Tibet'; John Blofeld's 'The Wheel of Life'; and Peter Matthiessen's 'Nine Headed Dragon River'.It is a valuable record of the power and value of the Buddha Dharma for human life and endurance in this ocean-of-suffering world.But as much as I loved the book and felt it to be perfect as it is; I was left wishing for more insight into the teachings of Tsung Tsai's teacher. I surely hope that the omission of details about actual teachings is an indication of another book yet to come to complete this Dharma record.The chapter on the wayward ex-student of Tsung Tsai's is quite unique; very powerful and disturbing. Such an archetypal encounter seems lifted straight out of a Tolkien fantasy; yet it actually happened; amazing. The seductive temptations of the tantric/kundalini power are so graphically depicted. As well as the perennial worldly rewards of wealth and status to those infatuated with the charismatic aspects of spiritual power; in contrast to the poverty and renunciation of the true bhikku and their ministrations of healing power.Finally; I pay homage to the monks of Puuh Jih; 108 bows! May their tree of Dharma grow strong and provide comfort and shade for many suffering in this world of samsara!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Enjoyable ReadBy DebbieAn enjoyable read for one who enjoys good writing; poetry; Buddhism; and learning about Mongolian/Chinese geography and culture. I; too; found that Tsung Tsai's broken English was an effective way of communicating Buddhist concepts.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Really an interesting book!By taichiguyNo one will ever mistake George Crane for Hemingway; but he has a simple readable style that accurately describes situations and events in Reverend Tsung Tsai's journey from Woodstock; NY to Inner Mongolia. Lots of interesting history is elucidated regarding Mao's "Great Leap Forward" and the "Cultural Revolution." If you're interested in things oriental; you'll find this story intriguing.
