From Karen Armstrong; the bestselling author of A History of God and The Spiral Staircase; comes this extraordinary investigation of a critical moment in the evolution of religious thought.In the ninth century BCE; events in four regions of the civilized world led to the rise of religious traditions that have endured to the present day—development of Confucianism and Daoism in China; Hinduism and Buddhism in India; monotheism in Israel; and philosophical rationalism in Greece. Armstrong; one of our most prominent religious scholars; examines how these traditions began in response to the violence of their time. Studying figures as diverse as the Buddha and Socrates; Confucius and Jeremiah; Armstrong reveals how these still enduring philosophies can help address our contemporary problems.
#451392 in Books 2001-07-17 2001-07-17Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.50 x .50 x 5.50l; .81 #File Name: 0385502060312 pagesISBN13: 9780385502061Condition: NewNotes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Tracking provided on most orders. Buy with Confidence! Millions of books sold!
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A good history of the Sikhs.By Robert W. BeamguardAn essential book in English about the Sikhs. Be aware however that this a history of the Sikh community from its origins; rather than an overall look at the Sikh religion. Its coverage of doctrine and practice is thinner than might be expected. Not surprisingly; the author concentrates on Sikh history in the Punjab and Delhi. Be prepared for plenty of appalling violence and gore! There is also lots of discussion about modern Indian politics and sectarian issues that concern Indian Sikhs; which may be of limited interest to some readers (but read this anyway).Anyone planning to visit Amritsar will benefit greatly from having read this book; it will indeed transform one's experience of the Harmandir Sahib (the Golden Temple) and its surrounding complex.Sikhism is expanding. It is said to have surpassed Judaism as the fifth largest world religion; and there is a growing number of non-Indian Sikhs. We need a good; modern general survey in English about the religion and its individualistic followers. In the meantime; this book is a great place to start reading about the Sikhs. Guru Nanak; guide us!1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Meeting the SikhsBy RGI found this book to be extremely informative. It provides a historic overview of the Sikh religion and culture. The author tells of both triumphs and failures in a clear manner. General Sikh beliefs and values are explained. He also provides insight into how religion politics were mixed and used in the creation of Pakistan and an independent India after British colonial rule. The author; a Sikh himself; is not a propagandist and while very proud of his faith culture; will admit to both past ongoing issues within the Sikh community. He also avoids disrepecting other faiths and cultures.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. A Sikh SnapshotBy T. DodgePatwant Singh provides a thumbnail of Sikh religious and political developments from the 15th century to the present. I found the last two chapters particularly instructive given America's current Middle East challenges. The resentment created by colonial powers on indigenous societies and the irresistible urge for fledgling democracies to abuse state powers are amply described. A glossary of Indian terms; which were adequately explained for an English reading audience within the text would have been helpful.
