This true account of the scandal that enveloped the discovery in 1898 of an inscribed casket said to contain the ashes of the Buddha; is set against the background of the high noon of the British Raj. In January 1898 a British landowner; William Claxton Peppé; excavated a large Buddhist brick stupa on his estate close to India’s border with Nepal. At a depth of 24 feet he uncovered a huge stone coffer. What made this discovery so important was an inscription found on the top of one of the reliquary caskets - declaring it to contain ashes of the Buddha. This news aroused world-wide interest since no other so well authenticated relics of the Buddha had ever been found. But almost immediately it became known that a German archaeologist; Dr Anton Führer; working nearby at the same time had not only made bogus claims and faked his results but had also been associated with the dig. Führer was quickly unmasked by a British magistrate who himself had a stake in the excavation.
#1539784 in Books Windhorse Publications 2004-08-01Original language:SanskritPDF # 1 7.50 x 1.10 x 5.10l; .85 #File Name: 1899579494320 pages
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Very informative and well laid outBy Jose GuillenWhile I have read quite a bit of spiritual books; the concept of a Bohdisattva was of particular interest to me. I purchased this book along with the Vesna B. Alan Wallace version. I started with the Wallace one but was a bit put off with the way the poem was presented. It was a bit too conversational and not too poetic in the language used (but well done none the less). SO; I put that down and gave this one a try and was pleased with the depth of preface given to the poem. It not only tells you a bit about the author; but more importantly it points out other translations that exist and their differences and contradictions in structure.Another helpful feature for those interested in more than just saying that you have read the Bodhicaryavatara is the section explaining the pronunciations of the special letters used throughout the book. This gave the reader more than just words; it actually helps one to better understand and pronounce the original Sanskrit words.Like any great book; you can't just read it once! When I reached the end of the poem I found the extensive notes that go with each chapter. Although the introduction clearly explains that these notes are there; I was too eager to get on with the show to research it first. Now; I am re-reading the book; or better said; studying the poem with the intention to better understand the Bodhicaryavatara.I recommend this book for anyone who is truly interested in having an in-depth understanding of this part of Mahayana Buddhist poetry. The practice of compassion in todays world is quite challenging; this book lets the reader know that it was just as challenging 13 centuries ago.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Beautful clarificationBy Boston readerLike Cliff notes except has the actual text as well. Explains a section then provides a section of the work. The editors and translators present this classic in a way Westerners can understand without being intimating. It's all about THe Awakened MInd. I love that phrase.8 of 11 people found the following review helpful. A good guide to the life of the BodhisattvaBy Julian R. GarrettThis book is about the Buddhist path to enlightenment; but contains many things applicable to improving anyone's life. It deals a lot with human suffering; and the need for people to help remove the suffering of others; as through this one's own life may be improved.Although it is presented from a Buddhist perspective; much of the teaching is a good guide to self development; the principles that it teaches are hard to fault; and it remains centered on these things throughout the book.The commentary deals with the Buddhist philosphies that Santideva uses; and explains the Buddhist principles involved; rather than explaining the teachings.It gets pretty involved; but you can take quite a lot out of it."When the mental attitude of anger is slain; then slain is every enemy"......
