FO Books

This book cannot be read fast. I first heard of this philosopher on the French Cultural Radio in a program on Islam in India. If you know about Franz Fanon and other psycho-sociologists like Erik Fromm etc but you don't know about the consequences of colonization in the Sub-continent, this book is for you.

Are you ready to sit back, relax and laugh a lot? Well, if you are, there is not a better book for you to read than Johan Padan and the Discovery of the Americas. Being that this piece of fiction is a fast read, it is great for a wide range of readers. From the young to the elderly, I'm sure everyone will see the humor. Behind the humor lies a story that will captivate many. Once you start reading this book you will realize that it is not very complex. It is almost a one character story with a few off stage characters. Dario Fo, the fantastic author of this book manages to fit one man's journey to America hundreds of years ago into under 150 pages. The novel contains humor, action, sex and many other concepts that help make any reader enjoy a book. Once you start, you will not put it down, and I do not wonder at all how Fo managed to win the Nobel Prize for literature. His ability to take a rather bland topic and spice it up is amazing. The ability to deeply describe scenes where Johan is alone or with another woman is amazing. He created a character with a strong voice and one very interesting journey. Johan meets almost everyone: from the men and women around Europe to the almost cave like Indians he encounters when he reaches America. This story will leave you spellbound and screaming for more!

Book Review by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality & Health Magazine Online
Keys to Living Well: Dharma Words (1)
Venerable Master Hsing Yun
Buddha's Light Publishing 06/05 Paperback $13.00
ISBN 1932293132

In our busy lives of e-mails, cell phones, multitasking, and computer chat rooms, there sometimes seems to be little evidence of thoughtful behavior and common decency. Even to use these terms is to be taken back to another time and place. The etiquette which was once taught in the home and savored as part of the spiritual life is endangered in both arenas.

Venerable Master Hsing Yun is founder of the Fo Guang Shan (Buddha's Light Mountain) Buddhist Order and Buddha's Light International Association. He teaches a brand of Humanistic Buddhism that is down-to-earth and concerned with ethics, interpersonal relationships, courtesy, and conduct that builds character. In Being Good: Buddhist Ethics for Everyday Life and in Living Affinity: Nurturing the Environment, Our Relationships and the Life of the Spirit (a Spirituality & Health Book Award winner), Master Hsing Yun demonstrates a keen ability to examine matters of substance. This paperback contains a treasure-trove of lectures on virtues, maxims on how to deal with difficult people, warnings on things to watch out for in relating to others, mottos for right conduct, and advice for living a full and rich life.

Master Hsing Yun has great respect for courtesy. He writes, "Courtesy is the foundation for handling people and situations. It is the guideline for human relationships and the benchmark for ethical conduct. When we behave courteously, it is easier for us to maintain appropriate and harmonious relationships. Therefore, courtesy is a basic condition in getting along with others, and it must be cultivated from a young age. From our parents and teachers, we learn the proper manners between old and young, senior and junior. Having courtesy, we should always abide by these manners, so as not to err in dealing with people and situations."

Buddhist Humanism is very high on the spiritual practices of compassion, kindness, humility, patience, tolerance, and other selfless virtues. These qualities must be activated each and every day in our interaction with others. For example, all of us at one time or another are bothered by grudges, things that individuals have done in the past that we just cannot forget. Master Hsing Yun notes: "Be forgiving and understanding instead of holding any grudges. We must never allow a grudge to fester and grow inside our mind, because we will only be harming ourselves in the end. The greatest virtue in life is forgiveness. When there is animosity from others, we need to be forgiving and understanding. We should not be calculating and attached to our views. Therefore, we need forgiveness and understanding to overcome animosity and the holding of grudges."

Closely related is the problem of jealousy or envy: "Because some of us cannot bear seeing others do well, such as when we hear our friends getting a promotion or our neighbors being prosperous and wealthy, we come to feel uncomfortable. We may start out feeling rejection and envy, and eventually we will resent them. Actually, when others are doing well, we should not only be happy for them, but we can even take a little pride in their glory. When we are not jealous of what others possess or have accomplished, we will not harbor any bitterness."

Master Heing Yun is convinced that contentment is one of the major keys to living well. He states: "After a meal, the Hakka people in Taiwan will always reply to the question, 'Are you full?' with 'I'm content.' It is important for us to appreciate contentment; otherwise, it will be of no use to us even if we eat gourmet meals every day. When we are content, we are truly happy. Contentment is of prime importance in life because the joy it brings is even better than fame and fortune." This is a lesson that we in the West have to learn: at present our energies our fueled by discontent and we jump through consumerism hoops to reach the grail of something better or different. We would all be wise to heed the author's description of what it takes to be carefree: "Let go of honor and disgrace. Let go of fame and fortune. Let go of gain and loss. Let go of our desires." Read this book, and you will see that there is no spirituality without serious attention to civility and courtesy.

Reviews and database copyright 1980-2005 by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat.

Enstad takes U.S. women's history in important new directions because she understands how young working-class women created their own class-conscious identity in terms made available by consumer culture. In this context hats, shoes and pulp-fiction gave working-class women fun, spunky ways to of asserting themselves and their interests. Alas, at the time, neither male union activists nor middle-class women allies understood these young girls' politics, and the union movement suffered for its misunderstanding. But Enstad understands these girls perfectly. In Enstad's analysis movies and fashion become political--as they in fact were. And thanks to her explanation I finally understand why my feisty Jewish grandmothers insisted on calling themselves and their friends "ladies." A must-read for anybody who loves the new women's history.

This book was in like new condition. Seller was quick to e-mail confirmation of shipping.We chose standard shipping and just as an FYI it took about 2 1/2 weeks to arrive.

This book really does show true economic principles. It gives the behind the scenes look at what is really taking place economically. Why do things happen the way they do? Should the government put on a price cap or floor? What about the economic policies of Senator John McCain and Senator Barrack Obama? Who is more economically sound? This book really allows the everyday reader to understand the basic principles of economics that even some of our politicians don't really understand. Check this book out if you desire a better understanding of the economic world around you!

Beyond the very helpful and well written cases selected, the authors speak to the reader directly which adds humor and a broader level of understanding to current state of contracts because often the authors disagree with one another. Three important aspects make this case book great, 1, The book begins with consideration issues very early on, 2 the authors notes are informative on current contracts controversies and they write about it with humor. 3, the authors notes also attempt to flush out understanding of each case and include a helpful problem that supports this attempt.

This is a great introduction to the theme and style of writings by Dario Fo, both from professional and personal aspect. One discovers, with much delight "La vie en rose" sort to speak, the great human integrity with which people deal with the darkest chapters of man-kind history, in fear, in war, in suffering, in death. Reminiscent of Bernini's theatrical production of "Life is beautiful", "My first seven years" is a honest, and often hilarious account of the author's coming-of-age through the lense of a genuine and perceptive mind.

This is the best book and most mystical you can find! Sheng-Yen Lu is the most adept spiritual living Buddha in the present universe

I received the book as promised the NEXT day-which was perfect. It's exactly what I needed & when I needed it!