Europe was bursting with energy in the late15th century; but progress was being hindered by a shortage of reliable currency. Columbus was aware of this; and one of the main goals of his voyage was to find gold. The first large amounts of precious metals from the New World were the plunder that came from the Spanish victory over the Aztecs and Incas. Mints in the colonies began producing large numbers of silver pieces of eight; which became the main cargo of the treasure fleets and a standard currency all over the world. But Spain lacked the resources and knowledge to retain control The glittering streams of wealth from the New World became an irresistible temptation to other European powers; and adventurers such as England's Sir Francis Drake began successful attacks on the ports and ships of the treasure fleets. Storms and deadly reefs claimed countless other ships. By the early 1700s Spain had lost its monopoly on world trade and other countries were laying claim to colonies in the New World. The pieces of eight survived to become the model of the American silver dollar. Tales of fabulous Spanish treasure fleets kept memories alive. After World War II divers using new technology began finding not only large amounts of silver and gold but also valuable information about the history of Europe's influence on the world. The mysteries of treasure known to exist but not yet discovered continue to fascinate to this day.
#1951368 in Books Snow Lion 1997-01-01 1997-01-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.50 x .40 x 5.50l; .53 #File Name: 1559390832192 pages
Review
2 of 13 people found the following review helpful. do not confus people with the Great NameBy Cheng P. Yeh1.Jamgon Kongtrul The 1st is the Great Master; when using his word please also show the Tibetan Text;2.In the Book try to relate all the Great Masters with Tai-situ rinpoche; showing he is the one holding the lineage(which is not true)3.The story about China Emperor giving the Black Hat to Tai situ also funny; I happen to have the collection clear showing is the 5th Karmapa; not Tai-situ Rinpoche (during Ming Dynasty)4. pls don't using Jamgon Kongtrul The 1st for the title; if you can not show the Text. (you can write your own book; and eat your own mistake)0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Excellent overview of reincarnate masters the bittersweet story of the 8th Tai SitupaBy kirtuPersonally this is one of the best books written on the subject of reincarnate masters in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. The author was inspired to write this in response to his experiences as a student of the former Kalu Rinpoche (1905-1989); a not officially recognized reincarnation of Jamgon Kongtrul; and the subsequent recognition of his reincarnation (tulku); born in 1990. The author has interviews interspersed through the book with the current 12th Tai Situpa. The main text itself is a translation of Jamgon Kongrtul's explanation of the tulku phenomena to have been read at the enthronement of the 10th Tai Situpa as well as prayers. Unfortunately the 10th Tai Situpa did not live that long (1854-1885) and was renowned as a kind of wild man/wild yogi who gave back his monastic vows. The story is somewhat bittersweet because of his shortened life and because unfortunately the relationship between Kongtrul and the 10th Tai Situpa became frayed (apparently due to politics beyond the control of either man). I think this is a must read for anyone interested in the Tibetan tulku tradition. Secondly; if one is a serious Buddhist practitioner; the translation of Kongtrul makes it a must read because it reflects the world view of this great Tibetan Buddhist polymath.
