In our own time Buddhism has been "claimed" by many in the West - theosophists, environmentalists, quantum-physicists and the "New Age" - as a confirmation of their world view. Yet for more than 2000 years the religious traditions of East and West developed in ignorance of one another. From the time of Alexander the Great, kings, emperors and popes realized the political power that could be gained through alliance - or through conquest. Sent as political and spiritual envoys, whether hordes in Crusades or lone adventurers ...
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In our own time Buddhism has been "claimed" by many in the West - theosophists, environmentalists, quantum-physicists and the "New Age" - as a confirmation of their world view. Yet for more than 2000 years the religious traditions of East and West developed in ignorance of one another. From the time of Alexander the Great, kings, emperors and popes realized the political power that could be gained through alliance - or through conquest. Sent as political and spiritual envoys, whether hordes in Crusades or lone adventurers such as Marco Polo, Christians made contact with the "infidels" only by enduring years of arduous travel, risking death by disease or shipwreck. The Buddhists they encountered, baffled by the "Christians" blinkered selfrighteousness, responded by offering access to their monasteries and libraries of sacred texts, with the result that information - and much misinformation gradually reached the West. Following the story of these pioneers and their encounters with the Kagyu, Nyingma, Geluk, Sakya and Zen traditions, this book shows how contact between East and West developed over the centuries, revealing how the 19th-century colonists' categorization of Asian culture colours our view today.
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Seller's Description:
Good. Ships from UK in 48 hours or less (usually same day). Your purchase helps support Sri Lankan Children's Charity 'The Rainbow Centre'. Ex-library, so some stamps and wear, but in good overall condition. 100% money back guarantee. We are a world class secondhand bookstore based in Hertfordshire, United Kingdom and specialize in high quality textbooks across an enormous variety of subjects. We aim to provide a vast range of textbooks, rare and collectible books at a great price. Our donations to The Rainbow Centre have helped provide an education and a safe haven to hundreds of children who live in appalling conditions. We provide a 100% money back guarantee and are dedicated to providing our customers with the highest standards of service in the bookselling industry.
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Seller's Description:
Near Fine in Near Fine jacket. Age-toning to pages; near fine in a near fine dust jacket. Unmarked, but from the library of Peter Matthiessen. Unless otherwise noted, our first editions are first printings.
