According to the myth of matriarchal prehistory; men and women lived together peacefully before recorded history. Society was centered around women; with their mysterious life-giving powers; and they were honored as incarnations and priestesses of the Great Goddess. Then a transformation occurred; and men thereafter dominated society.Given the universality of patriarchy in recorded history; this vision is understandably appealing for many women. But does it have any basis in fact? And as a myth; does it work for the good of women? Cynthia Eller traces the emergence of the feminist matriarchal myth; explicates its functions; and examines the evidence for and against a matriarchal prehistory. Finally; she explains why this vision of peaceful; woman-centered prehistory is something feminists should be wary of.
#884702 in Books Sandy Boucher 1999-05-12 2000-05-12Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.99 x .34 x 5.18l; .37 #File Name: 0807013412132 pagesDiscovering Kwan Yin Buddhist Goddess of Compassion
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy TaylorWonderful book with great information! :)33 of 33 people found the following review helpful. The key word is "discovering"By David MakinsterIf Sandy Boucher had presented this book as an academic text; a philosophical treatise; or a spiritual training guide; I would have rated this book much lower. But the key word is "discovering." As a communications professional and educator; as well as a Buddhist; I think you must evaluate a book in terms of it's intended audience and purpose.When institutions lose sight of universal compassion as a living principle; when tradition is monopolozed by an aristocracy of scholars and clerics indifferent to the suffering of everyday people; then people rediscover Kwan Yin - "she who hears the crying of the world." Sandy Boucher has gathered the stories of several women who have "discovered" Kwan Yin in their own lives; in their own ways; for their own reasons.Sandy Boucher steps back and does not impose an aggressive point-of-view of her own. She is non-judgemental; not because she is a flake; but because her main purpose is to tell the stories of a few women; and let those stories speak for themselves. The "discovery" of Kwan Yin is the discovery of how; in a multitude of ways; compassion becomes a living reality in the lives of these women; based on THEIR experience of Kwan Yin. A more scholarly; critical; or polemical approach would have weakened -- not strengthened -- this book.Try reading it with a beginner's mind.59 of 60 people found the following review helpful. Finally; a beautiful book about the beautiful Kwan Yin.By A CustomerI waited for months for this book to be printed. It was worth the wait. It is full of the tenderness and strength of Kwan Yin herself. The author's clear and sensitive prose and the simple format of the book make it a true gift. It has the history of Kwan Yin; legends; songs chants; resources...so much for such a little book. There is not a single wasted word. I especially enjoyed the various interviews with different women around the country who love Kwan Yin. I am a man; and although this book is subtitled; "A Woman's book of ruminations; meditations; prayers; and chants;" I didn't for a minute feel left out as I read the book. It's a must have for anyone interested in Kwan Yin. By far the best book in English on Kwan Yin. Very sensitively done.
