This book is actually the third installation of Daisaku Ikeda's History of Buddhism book. The first two books: Living Buddha and The First Millenium deal with beginning of Buddhism and the first millenium of Buddhism since the death of the Buddha. The Flower of Chinese Buddhism is a really helpful book to understand the reason why there are many branches of Buddhism in the world today because basically almost everything can be attributed to its spread to China. I really recommend this book as a fundamental tool if you are seeking for the truth. Nam Myo Ho Rengge Kyo.

This book is one of three which attempt to outline the general history of Buddhism for the average reader. This history is of course very complicated and I think mr. Ikeda has done an excellent job of sorting out the relevent and presenting it for our illumination. The insights into the difficulties surmounted by those seeking to spread Buddhism are particularly valuable and I would recomend this book to annyone regardless of their level of education or religious affiliation.

This book, "The Flower of Chinese Buddhism," documents a crucial part of the history of Buddhism, as it makes its way across China. It is thanks to China that the great Indian-born philosophy we now know as Buddhism became a true world religion - eventually spreading to Korea and Japan and then to the West.

"The Flower of Chinese Buddhism" basically picks up where Daisaku Ikeda's earlier volume on the history of Buddhism, "The Living Buddha," leaves off. Mr. Ikeda tells us of the great Buddhist translators and teachers of China, of the development of new schools of Buddhism, such as the T'ien-t'ai school, and the eventual decay of Chinese Buddhism after persecution in the tenth century.

As a student of Buddhism, I am indebted to Mr. Ikeda for his clear descriptions of Kumarajiva's revolutionary achievements, such as his excellent version of the sutras, including the Lotus Sutra, and various philosophical treatises that form the core of Eastern Buddhist literature.

Other great Chinese masters such as Hui-ssu and Chih-i are reviewed, making this an extremely concise and useful introduction to the T'ien-t'ai school of Buddhism that later became very powerful in Japan - the birthplace of Nichiren Daishonin and the modern harbinger of his teachings, Soka Gakkai International.

"The Flower of Chinese Buddhism" is a well-written documentation of one of the most important chapters of world religious history and particularly of Buddhist history.

The great Burton Watson, world-renowned translator/scholar of Chinese literature, including the Buddhist masterpiece "The Lotus Sutra," translated this outstanding documentary of the history of Buddhism in China.

400 pages and over four hundred color photos pack an in-depth examination of plants used in Chinese gardens for ornamental purposes. Listings appear using both Latin and common names and Chinese names, presenting the history, myths, horticultural information and uses of the plants. A beautiful presentation recommended for horticulture collections.

This is a fabulous, beautifully photographed, survey of the decorative plants native to China. The book opens with details of China's rich horticultural heritage and the role of plants in Chinese culture.

Further chapters are broken down by type of plant. These include bamboos, fruit trees, orchids, roses, chrysanthemums, aquatic plants and more. Items both familiar and exotic to the western gardener will be found here.

Many specific varieties are described in each chapter, with Latin, Chinese and common names. History, native habitat, and uses for each plant are described.

The photography is outstanding with several close-up color photos on each page. There is also a nice smattering of old botanical illustrations and Chinese art. I highly recommend this book.

This is a beautifully produced and immensely readable work of considerable scholarship . Its subject matter is intriguing and the author writes in a style where one finds oneself going quickly from one section to another. The wonderful photography certainly enhances the text. My views would seem to have been borne out by the recent decision of the British Gardens Writers Guild who have just awarded it the Reference Garden Book of the Year. I'm sure this will become the standard reference work for this engrossing subject for many years to come. I highly recommend it.

I think the cover of this book represents the book accurately: at first, you see a stern, wizened Kalu Rinpoche staring at you; the book, too, seems like a dry, dogmatic text expounding on things you may have read before. But the picture also captures Kalu Rinpoche's immeasurable awareness, the clarity of gaze and of his mind. And so the book, too, has such an immense scope, with such lucid explanations and discussions, that you will continually return to this book and find your previous understanding of the text was limited. This isn't a book for beginners, because it is not "fluffy" in any way. But it is an inspiring read, and fascinating, which sets it apart from so many other books on Tibetan Buddhism.

This is a really sweet book. It is a compilation of mostly lectures and notes from Kalu Rinpoche's teachings. Many times during the first read-through, I honestly felt as though this master was in the room, speaking the words on the page directly to me - evidence of the truthfulness in his words. The format of the book is such that each chapter builds upon the last, going from some very fundamental teachings (examining our situation) through the refuge vow, and all the way up to the esoteric mahamudra teachings. There is also a chapter on the challenges of dharma practice. Appended is an actual visualization practice, ("sadhana" in sanskrit) of the tantric deity of compassion, along with instructions. Among my own books, this is one I keep on the "reference" shelf.

In this no holds barred book on how to overcome the faults of the past and anticipate with confidence full liberation in the future, the greatest joy is the care taken in the design, so comforting exactly when you've just been put to the Rinpoche's test and realized you're not top in the class. Guess that is what compassion in action is all about. Highly recommended for all who seek solutions in today's life that will last beyond this impermanent lifetime.

We saw the movie "Inn of the Sixth Happiness" and had to know more about this amazing woman. Our search lead us to this book. I read it out loud to my 12 year old daughter as my husband did the driving back from our Christmas vacation in Illinois. We read it straight through as we drove straight through! It was even more exciting than the movie! We, too, are on the lookout for anything more we can find to read about Gladys Aylward -- a true role model for our kids!!!

My boys and I (ages 10 & 6) just finished reading this wonderful book. We home school and read many books together. Honestly, my guys did not want to read about a woman missionary. However, by the middle of the book, they would ask me to read another chapter. It was inspiring and exciting. Her life was full of life and danger. It was incredible for my boys to realize this was a real story, not fiction. I highly recommend it as a book to read as a family. We loved it.

I've literally just tucked my children into bed, having read the last three chapters of this amazing story--we couldn't stop! My 7 year-old son was intrigued from start to finish, and my 4 year-old daughter, asked "Could we read it again, PLEASE? " I'm now on the look-out for any other books about Gladys Aylward. What a shame that I grew up not knowing anything about this Godly, brave woman. What a story! We've been reading a chapter each day aloud, and have enjoyed every single word. I highly recommend it!

This is a nice introduction to chinese new year. I will use it as a informational guide and have my Chinese-Vietnamese students look it over to facilitate a discussion about their new year. Thanks.

This is a simply written and beautifully illustrated book about the Chinese New Year. Through delicate line drawings and jewel like colors the author/illustrator captures the essence of Chinese mythical creatures, flora, fauna, heavenly creatures and mortals. We learn about Chinese zodiac symbols, gods, how Chinese people prepare for the New Year, why they eat special kinds of foods on New Year's Day, the symbolism of specific flowers as gifts, and the meanings of Chinese characters hung on doorways. Demi is the talented author and illustrator of many children's books with Chinese themes. This book is definitely one of my favorites.

Need an excuse to explore ethnic and religious holidays and practices? This is your vehicle. The interesting and exciting practices surrounding Chinese New Year can so easily be compared in writing, drama and story-telling of many other cultures. You cannot go wrong with this book.

A well researched and well written guide. Readers like pictures and this book has lots of bright and colorful pictures with descriptions and information. The book gives insight into Mr. Laughlin and his pottery. I recommend this book to all collectors of Homer Laughlin.

This is a must have for Homer Laughlin collectors. Get a feel for the life,times and area that produced the largest American manufacturer of dinnerware. This book is packed with information that you just can't digest in one setting. I'm constantly referring to it and learning something new everytime.

This book is indispensable for indentifying the older pieces of Homer Laughlin. While not a price guide per se it does give the reader an idea of the value of older pottery shapes.

This book presents the experiences and transformations of Ole Nydhal, who first believed in psychedelic drugs and step by step advanced to become a buddhist master recognized by the 16. Karmapa. Good autobiographical reading. The author is austoundingly honest about all the strange things he did on his way.

Not only does the book give you a glimse of buddhism, there are retreat centers and contact details in the back; meeting lama ole in person is not a problem because he travels to every major european city and many cities within the U.S.

It was this very book that a dear friend of mine found in a book used book store. Ken read Entering the Diamond Way and was so inspired that he wrote Lama Ole a letter. In the comming weeks Ken recieved 2 letters back from the Lama inviting him to come to the retreat that he would give in New Mexico later that year. It has been very exciting that the story line of this book has become the basis for a continued relationship with it's author. Ole and Hannah's spiritual quest at first took them to Nepal and to meet the Karmapa and with Karmapa's blessing has also taken them all around the world introducing westerners to an authentic Buddhist path. Ole has since been to my own city and there is now a thriving Buddhist center in La Crosse WI. I can also remark that after my own exciting journey with Ole and Hannah in the fall of 1999 through Russia, Siberia, Ukraine, and Poland, they have not lost the essence of what this exciting book portrays and still stick to the time proven grass roots methods, taking time for every single seeker who is fortunate enough to encounter Ole at one of his lectures around the world. This is a must read!

This is the expedition book about the first ascent of the difficult Southwest Face route. Bonington's own writing, a little dry, is supplemented by interesting excerpts from the diaries of his teammates, including Pete Boardman, who as always writes beautifully. This is the ascent on which Mick Burke was lost. Overall, though not quite among the very best of mountaineering books, this is a classic and belongs on all shelves. The photos included capture the bleakness and mystery of the terrain and the precarious box-tent camps beautifully.

I first read this book as a young boy. I was enthralled by the personal accounts from the climbers that took part in the expedition, and by Bonnington's writing style.

Each time I have read it, I gain my respect--anew--for the men who leave the comforts of home and civilization to brave the roof of the world. Of all of the accounts of Everest expeditions, this is by far the best. I especially enjoy the section on logistics. Having been a climber for many years, I enjoy seeing how other people "do it."

The story of the British expedition to the Southwest face of Everest by the expedition leader Chris Bonington. The story is well told and very interesting. Bonington intermingles his own thoughts with the views of other members of the team. One of the better books on an Everest expedition I have read. I found it much more interesting then Tom Hornbein's "The West Ridge." Bonington includes many Appendix sections, almost half the book, on the logistics of the expedition. You could run your own expedition by just reading the appendixes. A classic in the Everest pantheon.

It is soo good !! I tried the eggs curry from Indonesia it is so yummy !! Also the have menu suggestions so that was real helpfull since I do a lot of parties !!!

This book is incredible. First, the photography is excellent, beautifully portraying most of the recipes. The book begins with a complete listing of all of the ingredients used. It is about 6 pages of pertinent information, including pictures for some of the most obscure ingredients. The recipes cover a thorough range of the basic recipes that you may be looking for. I am Indian and am thrilled with the list. Just about every recipe is critical, they appear back-to-back and have several pictures. I will probably cook every recipe in the Indian section. That section alone makes it worth the purchase. However, it covers seven other asian cuisines in a very similar manner. It also offers enticing "melting pot" menus, mixing the cuisines. You will get the recipes you want, that you can make, with a little commentary and exquisite pictures. This is one of the best cook books I have ever seen.

All recipes are well described and illustrated. Everything is clear and easy to understand.

Taking Chineese, Greek and Roman cooking influences, Smith ofTV fame brings forth an offering which resembles the James Beard books which provide not only great recipes but a running commentary on the culture which produces the food and some experience remembrances by the author.

This is fun cooking and well done. Well representative of the cuisines and done with helpful hints on each.

A workhorse for the cook willing to use it to branch out and experiement in these formative areas of food history. For openers, try Spareribs with Black Beans and Pepper Sauce, Halvah Cake or the Seafood Risotto.

My humble opinion is that Roman cooking is slighted out of the three. See Malto Mario for some great Rome recipes.

This book by Jeff Smith has to be my favorite one that he has written. This book focuses on recipes from China, Greece, and Rome. The recies in this book are flavorful, and very enjoyable. My favorite recipe in here is strangely enough Garlic, Eggs, and Pasta. There is a wide range in recipes, both in flavors and ingredients. Jeff Smith does an excellent job of paring history as well as anecdotes with all of his recipes. This should be a must add for anyone who enjoys historical cooking.

Whenever I entertain my Greek relatives, they are amazed by my flair in their native cooking. Jeff's recipes are easy to follow and make Greek cooking simple.