PO

As someone who has appreciated Ven. Thubten Chodron's many introductory books on Buddhism, I was very excited to hear about this book when first came out. Upon my first reading, I thought that perhaps I had bitten off more than I could chew!

However, as I've continued in my Buddhist studies and continued to study the Lamrim, this book has become a source of joy and clarity. It is a commentary on a particular text, "The Thirty-seven Practices of Bodhisattvas"; but in a more general way, it is a wonderful commentary on the gradual path to enlightenment in the Tibetan tradition. I have been pleasantly surprised at how accessible the teachings in this book are to a Western student of the dharma, with examples given that most of us can readily relate to our daily lives.

Ven. Chodron's introductory section on the Buddhist World View is a very readable and useful encapsulation of basic dharma teachings for new students, and a wonderfully concise review for those who have studied the dharma for some time. It puts the remainder of the book into perspective, making reading the book all the more meaningful and relevant.

The book continues to follow progressively along the path: appreciating our precious and advantageous life circumstances; studying and listening to teachings; creating a conducive environment for study and meditation; working with impermanence; relating to teachers; understanding the concept of "refuge," karma (cause and effect) and the Four Noble Truths; generating bodhicitta (the altruistic mind of great compassion); transforming difficulties so that they enhance our practice rather than discouraging practice.

The book ends with a detailed section on wisdom and emptiness and a final chapter on bringing our practice into our daily lives through the practices of the six far-reaching attitudes (or six perfections, "paramita") of generosity, patience, ethics, joyous effort, concentration and wisdom.

Dear friends, I highly recommend this book. I also highly recommend a visit to Ven. Chodron's web site (www.thubtenchodron.com).

This book is a well-rounded introduction to the written side of the Chinese language. Both simplified and traditional characters are presented with stroke-order diagrams to help the beginner learn how to write properly. Romanization is also given in the standard PINYIN form. Each chapter focuses on a core selection of vocabulary and key grammar concepts. There are also dialogues and reviews at the end of each chapter. If you intend on learning just how to speak Chinese, this book is not for you; but, if you want to write properly, this book is a must-buy.

This was the first Zen text that I had ever seen. I had read the Tao Te Ching, and the Teachings of the Buddha. I was familiar with the life of Padmasampavha, and the wisdom of Confucious. Nothing came close to imparting the understanding that I achieved while reading the Zen teaching of Huang Po. Beginning with the translator's introduction, the clairity and simpleness that is Zen transmission speaks from every page. The Tathagata said "I truly attained nothing from complete, unexcelled enlightenment". Huang Po achieved nothing around 830, c.e., and his words, along with (of course) much meditation, can help anyone else do the same.

Li Po (AD 701 - 762) and Tu Fu (AD 712 - 770) are regarded as the two greatest Chinese poets. Li Po was a spiritual poet whose verse deals with consciousness and the human mind, whilst Tu Fu was a chronicler of the everyday life. The book includes a thorough introduction encompassing the pronunciation of Chinese words and names, notes on the Chinese calligraphy and the introduction proper which provides information on the poets and their times, plus backgrounds to T'ang Poetry and the principles of Chinese syllabic metre. The poems are elucidated with explanatory notes and with reference to Ezra Pound's translations in his book Cathay. In this regard, I found here another translation of Li Po's poem The Ballad Of Ch'ang-Kan (The Sailor's Wife) the first part of which was translated as The River Merchant's Wife: A Letter, by Pound. This is a beautiful poem and I was very pleased to find the second part here. Although there is no unanimity amongst scholars that it really is by Li Po, it perfectly completes the first part and Cooper's notes here are very illuminating, especially as regards place names on the Yangtse river. This excellent book concludes with a list of titles and an index of first lines, including poems by other poets in the introduction.

I am not giving the stars to the translation or the edition. This is the only book on Li Po I could find available a few months ago. I guess I was lucky enough to run into an old edition of Li Po's poetry at my University library years ago, and had been looking for a copy since then. Got this. Want more.

LI PO AND TU FU : Poems Selected and Translated with an Introduction and Notes by Arthur Cooper. Chinese Calligraphy by Shui Chien-tung. (Penguin Classics). 249 pp. Penguin 1973, and Reissued.

This is a valuable book in many ways. Besides giving a selection of enjoyable translations of China's two greatest poets - Li Po (+ 701-762, 25 poems) and Tu Fu (+ 712-770, 18 poems), it also includes a remarkably full and informative Introduction of almost 100 pages which not only serves to introduce beginners to the subject of Chinese poetry, and to the work of Li Po and Tu Fu in particular, but which could also be read with profit by others.

Each of the 43 poems is followed by an explanatory comment, which can range in length from paragraph to essay form. The book also includes a Guide to the Pronunciation of Chinese Words and Names, and, since twelve of the poems are accompanied by the Chinese text in the striking calligraphy of Shui Chien-tung, a Note on Chinese Calligraphy has been provided by the artist for the benefit of those who may not be familiar with the nature and history of this fascinating art form.

Shui Chien-tung has "adopted a manner influenced by Chinese bronze inscriptions [and] has also followed various styles of writing to suit the different poems" (pp.13-14). The result is a clear style which in most cases will cause no problems for anyone who may be studying Chinese characters, since the structure of even the more complex characters can easily be discerned.

Here, as an example of Cooper's style (with my obliques added to indicate line breaks), is the first of two 'sonnets' of Tu Fu's 'At an Evening Picnic, with Young Bucks and Beauties' :

"Sunset's the time to take the boat out / When a light breeze raises slow ripples, / Bamboo-hidden is the picnic place / And lotus-fresh in the evening cool; // But while the bucks are mixing iced drinks / And beauties snow a lotus salad, / A slip of cloud comes black overhead : / Before it rains my sonnet must end !" (p.163)

Cooper's reading nicely evokes the lighthearted amusements of spoiled and wealthy youth, out on the cool water with a party of singing girls for an evening of companionship and pleasure after the heat of the day.

Cooper's anthology has an excellent Introduction, is of manageable size, well-translated, helpfully annotated, uniquely illustrated with Shui Chien-tung's calligraphy, and has other useful features. It would make a good introduction for anyone new to Chinese poetry, and it can also be read with interest by anyone wishing to extend their knowledge of Li Po and Tu Fu.

Those who, after reading it, would like to explore further and learn about some of China's other great writers, might take a look at the excellent anthology by Cyril Birch, another book I can strongly recommend:

ANTHOLOGY OF CHINESE LITERATURE : From early times to the fourteenth century. Compiled and edited by Cyril Birch. Associate editor Donald Keene. 492 pp. New York : Grove Press, 1965, and Reissued.

Someone, quite mistakenly, once asked me about John Harrell, saying "Isn't he the guy who writes all those pro-Vietnam war poems." It's amazing how people don't listen closely enough sometimes- it's a mad assumption that a writer would be "pro-war" simply for portraying war for what the terrifying travesty that it is, and for portraying soldiers in their writing as living people, instead of as the killing machines we who protest violence would sometimes like to see them as. Harrell brings a wealth of humanity to his view of the Vietnam War- particularly in his book, "Twenty Years". Harrell's soldiers are torn-up both emotionally and physically, scarred- in many cases, irreparably, from a horror they were ill-equipped to face. This is no idle supposition of what war must have been like. Instead, it's based on the poets on experiences as a medic during the war. For example, in "The Lieutenant," Harrell traces the path of a bullet through the fallen soldier's body, mapping it's path through every organ and major bone. The gruesome description is then balanced by the flat image of the soldier, lying in a hospital bed, being tossed a purple heart by an apathetic general. This is admirable work, worthy of close inspection.

John Harrell broke into the 'published poet's' world with his humanely biased view of the consequences of war. This work shows us the same kind of heartfelt images cast in cadences and phrases that are reminiscent of both Chinese and Japanese traditional poetry... pointed yet muted by thoughtfulness and fond memories. A calming breeze amidst the turmoil of the sensationalism too often found in contemporary poetry.

Anyone who likes a peek at life's little moments and trials will enjoy this book. Told with warmth and humor, it is a pleasure to read.

This is a novel about a divorced woman (whose name is never revealed) from Russia who comes to New York with her daughter. After some horrible, and extremely funny dating incidents (which acts as the introduction of the novel) she finally meets the man of her dreams. Only things don't turn out very good for her. A great eye opener for any foreign woman looking to get into the dating scene.

I was lucky enough to have received oral commentary on this text from H.E. Khamtrul Rinpoche a few years ago. Ever since then, I knew that this text was a jewel just needing to be read!
Patrul Rinpoche's personality and heart instructions really come through in this text. It is both poetic yet earthly and never gets preachy at all. The stories, poems, and teachings listed throughout are simply perfect and fit each topic he is discussing. He writes this in regards to listening to your teacher giving instructions:

"Put your hands together palm to palm and listen,

every pore on your body tingling and your eyes wet with tears,

never letting any other thought get in the way." (Pg.11)

Simple, but direct, The Words of My Perfect teacher is a text to study for life.

I wanted to write quick rebuttal to the reviewer who questions the quality of this translation. I've read both the original Tibetan text (kun bzang bla ma'i zhal lung) and the translation, and I'm very impressed with the work the translators have done. The Tibetan text has been rendered into excellent, clear and grammatical English prose without sacrificing the literal meaning of the original. In addition, the book is clearly footnoted with commentary from high lamas, alternate translations and references.

Wonderful Patrul Rinpoche has written a good book which no doubt has stood the test of time.

The book covers the general and specific premliminaries of Vajrayana, spiced up with lovely stories and anecdotes. Patrul Rinpoches straightfoward and sometimes blunt way of expressing things is very releiving and inspiring. Some of what he writes may be provoking to modern (western) readers. He is striking towards hipocracy in all directions.

There are detailed explanations on the Four Mind Changings, Refuge and Bodhicitta, Vajrasattva practice, Mandala offering, Guru Yoga and many other thigs.

The book is a great read from cover to cover as well as a good reference book with its good index.

Reading this book will certainly dispel lots of ignorance and doubt regarding the buddhist path. So read it, again and again!

I first used Sarup's guide in my early days at university and, at the time, thought this a concise, lucid and accessible introductory text. Later, after coming to grips with the seminal works of the thinkers in Sarup's guide, I realised just how much was taken and used from their texts without any direct references or acknowledgement! I also feel however that sometimes Sarup's prejudices showed, in that certain thinkers and "thought" were given less attention than others according to his own discretion of who was siginificant and important in the academic hierarchy! His reading of Derrida is suspect, here it would be better to get your hands on "Deconstruction" by Christopher Norris as a primer to this essential thinker. Another gripe is the section on Michel Foucault! This is just not good enough. The ramifications of Foucault's work (especially with regard to feminisms, such as the works of Judith Butler and Susan Bordo, and David Halperin's text on Foucault and queer theory,"Saint Foucault"), are still being felt, as his genealogical and archaelogical investigations of power and knowledge, subvert and undermine hegemonies and discourses as we know them. This said, and all-in-all, Sarup offers a fairly comprehensive guide, albeit "very" introductory, of most of the thinkers and thought synonomous with postmodernism and post-structuralism.

Sarup's book gives an excellent comprehensive introduction to two of the most prevelant theories/philosophies of literary and cultural criticism. Poststructuralism and Postmodernism are not easy concepts to get a grip on, but Sarup's book will help anyone interested. It is a necessity for anyone who wants to better understand the culture that we all participate in every day. The book outlines the key concepts of the major thinkers of poststructuralism (Derrida, Barthes, Lacan, Foucault) and postmodernism (Lyotard, Baudrillard, Jameson). It deals with concepts such as deconstruction, psychoanalysis, the relationship between power and history, hyperreality, etc. I recommend it for any student of literature as well as anyone interested in the increasingly popular field of cultural criticism.

The field of cultural criticism can be difficult to approach. Madan Sarup's book provides exactly what the title states, an excellent introduction to Post-Structuralism and Postmodernism. His coverage of the critics and philosophers who espouse these schools of thought serve as a solid foundation for further studies. His comparisons of the theories of different authors was especially helpful, as was his treatment of the feminist critics, who seem to be often overlooked.

You will enjoy this book! I was delighted to find that there were several "how to" projects that emulate Leong's trademark look. He truly is an artist. The only reason that I didn't give 5 stars is that I think the book itself is poorly bound. I got my book on Monday and had only looked at it a couple of times when all of the pages came out from the cover (Tuesday). My friend had the same problem with her book. They should have used better glue!

Po Shun Leong not only creates masterpieces of art and architectural design;he shares his techniques with the reader.This book would be a success as a pictures only coffee-table volume,yet it goes a step further with insight and instruction in the science of box-making.

Finally, a book on woodworking that doesn't read like a Craftsman band saw instruction manual! This book covers all the bases - from an exsquisite gallery of finished work, to a guided tour of his technique and studio. I especially admire Po Shun for his openess in sharing his advice and techniques. Also apparent in the photographs is the enviable openess of his studio and workshop. Careful attention should be paid throughout the book to the theme that this is not a how-to-book, but rather a primer on the latent potential of woodworking. I've been inspired!

i enjoy clancy's earlier works in the jack ryan series (Hunt for Red October, Patriot Games, Cardinal of the Kremlin). to me, clear and present danger is one of the best in the jack ryan series. actually, ryan's role in this book is almost secondary. a lot of the emphasis in this work is on the green berets and their special ops in columbia. in this book there is not a great deal of technical information to try to understand...it is just a good story. clancy paints a realistic picture in this one...the lines between the good guys and bad guys are blurred and it gives the book a greater feel of realism. the book is MUCH better than the movie. don't skip the book just because you saw the movie. the book is 10 times better.

Generally, Tom Clancy can do no wrong in my eyes (except when he lends his name and his ideas to authors less able than himself so he can take a cut of whatever they earn). Clear and Present Danger is a perfect example of Clancy at his polished best - the guy simply sets new standards of storytelling excellence. Though he occasionally drifts into needless description [...], Clancy delivers the ultimate thrillers time after time. Where I might downgrade another author for ever-elaborating, Clancy can be forgiven because the rest of the book makes up for its few shortcomings. In brief, the U.S. ambassador to Columbia is murdered by drug lords. Enemy agents filter into the jungles and Central America is ready to explode. Jack Ryan, who has just been named CIA deputy director of intelligence is enraged when he discovers that has been left out of the loop of Colombian operations, because a group of highly trained American soldiers are stranded on an unfinished mission that officially never happened. Ryan decides to get the men out. Clear and Present Danger has all the ingredients of a Clancy Classic. And Clancy doesn't disappoint, sprinkling a plot her, a counter-plot there; a pinch of action here, a measure of suspense there. And finally stirring the carefully balanced ingredients so that the finished product is a tale that won't disappoint. When Clancy delivers, he delivers big time, and Clear and Present Danger is one of his best deliveries.

Clear And Present Danger starts out with the Coast Guard finding three top American officials killed on their yacht, and the men charged with the murder are from the Cali Drug Cartel in Columbia, so to get back at the Cali Cartel, the President then prepares a secret covert operation of selected Special Forces to bring back justice to the Cartel. Jack Ryan comes back into the picture, with Admiral James Greener dying of cancer, and now he is left in charge as DDI of the CIA, but Jack does not know about the covert operation in Columbia, since they dont want Jack to intervere in the operations. So comes in Domingo Chavez, a East L.A. Chicano who turn his life around by joining the U.S. Army and becoming a Ranger, and now he is the selected person to go to Columbia to fight the drug lords.
Now as they get ready to train for the operation, Jack has NO IDEA what is going on, but he knows that something is not right, and they are keeping quiet about the operation. As they arrive to Columbia, John Clark is running the operation and in charge of the whole thing. Jack and John Clark know each other from rescusing CARDINAL (a U.S. spy in the Kremlin) and bringing him to America where he lives in exile.
Now one of the Cali Cartel's men brings in a woman who works for the CIA and has top secret information about the operation, and finds out that one of the top men who is running the operation is going to Columbia, so his men sets up a ambush and attacks their convoy. Now, the operation gets more intense where they bomb the drug lord's house, and it makes it look like a car bomb. Now, as the Cali Drug Cartel finds out what is going on, they now are hunting them in the thick forests of Columbia thanks to the Columbian military which he has complete control of thanks to money. Jack Ryan then finds out what is going on, and now the covert operation is dead, and they are leaving the men in Columbia on their own. Jack then goes down to Columbia to rescue the men from the hidden dangers the Cali drug cartel has to offer. Now Jack rescues the men, and the President lost the election, and now President Fowler is in office, so now Jack has a new boss, along with a new enemy: Elizabeth Elliot; the National Security Advisor who hates Jack with a passion.

The book starts out slow, but it is still worth a good read to get into.