Asian Books

For me, the highlight of this text is its depiction of faith, not as a blind grasping towards the truth, but as trust with conviction. The difference is important in today's world where the meaning of faith has been eviscerated of its positive affirmation of a path - conviction arising from a sure understanding, rather than just an adopted belief - to become more a label of anti-experiential assertion. Thus in today's world to have faith is to believe in the absence of evidence, while in this context to have faith is to have become permeated with the enlightened aspect of Suchness. The value of a text such as this is not the programmatic ideas that it presents, but the underlying understanding that these ideas point to. If one merely forms an attachment to the conceptual ideas, one is not developing faith.

The translator's introduction and commentary, much of which is taken from a few Chinese and Korean scholars, but especially that of Fazang, is generally excellent. One caveat is that there are a few places within the text where the typographic style of setting off the commentary from the base text is not adhered to (ex. top of pg 65 of reprint edition), potentially confusing the reader.

The introduction to the reprint edition by Abé is suspect. He starts with a whopper of a misunderstanding when he states: "... the Awakening of Faith boldly posits as the ultimate reality the minds of sentient beings in their everyday existence." The "minds" (plural and individuated) are presented as the permeation of ignorance and not the "ultimate reality". So I recommend caution in reading these remarks.

James Corrigan
An Introduction to Awareness

This is an indispensable text in the Mahayana and, within the Mahayana, Zen traditions. The translation is interspersed with extensive notes and commentaries from classic ancient Chinese and Korean commentators, and includes honest discussions of possible variant translations of difficult phrases. Highly recommended to anyone with a serious interest in the root texts of the Mahayana tradition.

A must read for all cultivators. Down to earth reading about having faith in the path and getting onto the path. When you awaken some day to feel that something is missing in your life and question what is it all for. This book, read with an open mind and heart will push you into the right direction.

this is an outstanding personal account of fifty years jewish history, starting with the first signs of the approaching holocaust in th late 1930`s, describing personal experiences in the nazi ghetto`s and concentration camps like auschwitz an buchenwald, and culminating in the participation of the struggle for a jewish sovereign state in british mandated palestine. apart of the authors authentic role in rescuing his younger brother, age 7 who is today the chief rabbi of the state of israel, he also played a most significant role in the political and public life of the state of israel, as a journalist and as a diplomat. this book is a true description of the jewish drama of the twentieth century.

for fifty years naphtali lau-lavie put the trauma of the holocaust behind him. all his energy was concentrated on establishing his own family and on actively contributing to the state of israel as a soldier, writer, spokesman for the ministry of defence and finally as consul general in new york. writing "balaams prophecy" must have been emotionally traumatic, forcing him to recall the nightmare years of suffering in the nazi death camps, the memory of which had long been suppressed.but he is not a man lacking in personal corage and, like much of his life`s work, this book is a posistive contribution to the legacy of the jewish people. you can not read this book without weeping. it is a beautifully written, intensely moving personal memoir. lau-lavie`s testimony is unique. as spokesman and special adviser to moshe dayan and shimon peres,lau-lavie was involved in some of the most significant political processes which concerned the very survival of the jewish state, including drafting the all-important peace treaty with egypt. he describes some of these episodes with wry humor. unlike many political and religious leaders, lau-lavie`s experiences eqipped him with a broad perspective and an understanding of the viewpoints of many of the opposing forces in israel. this unique insight made him intenet on bringing the secular and religious together. balaam prophesied about the nation of israel that `it is a people that dwells alone and is not reckoned among the nations...this is a nation that rises like a great lion`. in the merit of those whose `ashes are strewn on the fields of germany and poland`, to whom this volume is dedicated, lau-lavie has played a great part towards the realisation of this prophecy.

Rarely does one have the privilege of sharing the nearly unimaginable horrors described by the author, and learn, through his words, how he, as well as his younger brother, saved by him, literally, from death, can make a new and remarkably productive life. The message is not only one of the horrors of the past. It is of the great hopes and achievements individuals can achieve, though the number of such as these who suffered as he did is restricted. In spite of such experiences and lifelong memories inconceivable to most of us, the message becomes universal.

Other than bless the author and his family with health and with continued fulfillment, I believe it is incumbent upon the reader to see in herself/himself the privileges and opportunities presented, in whatever circumstances, to make of what is given us, for the future of ourselves and of our offspring, the very best possible.

The writing, the "tale", are superb. I would recommend the book to every living human being.

There have been other fine books that show and describe bamboo in Japan, both plants and craft, but no other book has so effectively shown how this remarkable plant has shaped a culture in all of its aspects, from the roots of its language, to its cuisine, its art, and its commerce---from the most mundane tools of daily life to the most sublime aspect of art and spirit. Beautifully designed, the book itself is a work of art, with text and photographs woven together in such a way that one finds that one has not simply read a book about a topic, but has become a part of that experience. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

BAMBOO IN JAPAN is one of the most exciting and beautiful books I've read in years. During her many years of researching in Japan, Bess discovered that bamboo contributes to every aspect of Japanese life: from architecture to religion, from household goods to children's toys. Bamboo is made into fans, baskets, kites, fences, tea ceremony whisks and scoops; into rakes, blinds, lanterns, spoons, dolls, umbrellas, fish rods, swords, and even into musical instruments such as the eerie, reedy shakuhachi. The book is filled with fascinating facts and anecdotes. Ancient documents chronicle the use of a small bamboo knife that was thought to have magical powers, and so was used to cut the umbilical cord after birth. In the 17th century an ordinance mandated that peasants plant bamboo in order to use the leaves for fuel. Did you know that some varieties of bamboo grow so quickly that one can actually watch them grow? Or that the adult plant is strong enough to support traditional scaffolding tens of stories high, yet delicate enough to be cut into fibers hardly wider than a hair? A Japanese folktale describes a bamboo cutter's discovery of a beautiful miniature princess in a bamboo shoot. Additionally, Bess includes resources for observation and research in Japan and in the US. An internationally known textile and basket craftsperson, Bess has produced a book so vibrant and colorful, it will grow and grow sky high in your imagination.

What a pleasure to see the soul of bamboo portrayed with such insight! Many examples of bamboo in use, a feast for the eyes. This book is a treasure of bamboo knowledge.

Since this book was written based on a true story, I wish I could read it once again,an utterly well written book.The book describes in one word the fall of two dictators who were brutally assasinated.Great that's what dictators deserve.

The full title is actually "Bangladesh: A Legacy of Blood". I found this one of the best books on the turbulent post independence period of Bangladesh. As a matter of fact, I've reread it several times. The problem is that this book was written in 1986 during the rule of Gen. Ershad, who apparently also gave interviews to the author. While the author knew Sheikh Mujib personally and is probably fair in his assessment of Bangabandhu, his verdict on Gen Zia may be a little harsh. This may have been coloured by the desire to legitimise the coup of Gen. Ershad. Nevertheless, an excellent book and a great primer for understanding Bangladeshi politics.

Since this book was written based on a true story, I wish I could read it once again,an utterly well written book.The book describes in one word the fall of two dictators who were brutally assasinated.Great that's what dictators deserve.

This is a great book just to browse at random. The interpretations given after each haiku are an interesting twist. Reading them after letting the haiku soak in is somewhat like sharing the poems with other enthusiasts. Some of them also shed a fascinating light on the circumstances of their composition and Basho's attitudes. And if haiku just makes you scratch your head, the remarks will show you interesting ways of looking at each one. Ueda helpfully adds biographical sketches between sections to put the poems into context and provides the original Japanese and word for word translations, and although I have found better translations of individual poems, his are adequate at least and often elegant. Basho of course is great, and this is the perfect book to linger over when you're in a thoughtful mood.

This is a wonderful book for anyone interested in Basho, haiku, or Japanese literature. Ueda combines Basho's own verse with interpretations by well-known haikai commentators (including Akutagawa, Rohan, Hagiwara, and Abe Jiro etc) and entries from Basho's own travel diaries, in which he describes many of the situations that inspired many of his poems. This is a good introduction for beginners and afficionados alike, for it provides a great deal of background information and a wide scale of interpretations that add depth and connotation to the readers understanding of each verse. The book also includes a glossary of terms as well as a section of short biographies for the commentators.

this book is great as a collection of representative verses by basho, the greatest master in the haikai tradition.
i'll just add to the other reviewer's remarks that this book can also be read from cover to cover so you can get a feel for basho's development as a poet. overall, a nice book.

This was the first time that I have read Basho's Narrow Road to Oku, snd I enjoyed it a great deal. Actually I read it twice this week. The first time I read through it I tried to read it without using the notes. I was lazy, so it came out that I really didn't enjoy what I was reading because I really didn't know what was going on throughout most of the book, so I read it again using the notes, and I got much more out of it. The annotations are on the left page while the actual text is on the right page, so there is no flipping to the back of the book every time that you need to look up something. There are endnotes that give more information about the haiku Basho writes. This is a very cool book, that gives the reader a glimpse at the literary world of japan back during the 17th century.

This is a very well translated and annotated edition of this great work.

Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (9/06)

Matsuo Basho (1644-94) was a famous Japanese haiku poet. In 1689, he took a 1,233 mile journey across Japan. His travels lasted five months. He was joined by his friend Kawai Sora. Basho wrote about this trip. He titled it, "Oku No Hosomichi," which translates to "Narrow Road to the Interior." This story is considered to be a masterpiece of Japanese literature. He took four years to write it and revise it.

Basho started this trip when his house burned down. He had two goals. One goal was spiritual; it involved "poetic truth." The other goal was a practical one in which he would use his travels to become well known as a poet. Sora developed stomach problems and had to end his travels with Basho. Basho wrote a short piece for him. In the second part of this book, there is a translation of "A Farewell Gift to Sora."

Basho funded his travels with donations from wealthy friends and students. He felt that there were three types of poets. The first type is confused noisemakers. The second type is wealthy people who desire to write instead of gossip. The third type is poets who work hard at writing true poetry. These poets write to "soothe their heart." Basho was the third type of poet.

Hiroaki Sato includes annotations to go along with the writings. This adds richness to the story and helps explain more about the culture and what was happening at the time. I read the story first with the annotations to gain understanding of what I was reading; then I went back and reread the story by itself so that I could feel how it flowed. Without the annotations, I would have enjoyed Basho's story, but I would not have understood much of what was written. Sato also includes pages of notes and commentaries. This is a well researched piece. "Basho's Narrow Road" is a beautiful story about Basho's travels. In it he reflects on the beauty of the countryside and the spirit of the people that he encounters.

I recommend "Basho's Narrow Road" to people that enjoy Japanese poetry, especially Haiku. It would also be a great book to use for a college literature class. I really enjoyed Basho's journey.

This is an essential book for anyone interested in, well, living fully. Basho is one of the world's great writers and this book is the best way to immerse yourself in his work. Doing so will make each moment longer, fuller, more connected.

Basho can help you to see,

white chrysanthanums
looking closely
no dust

(my translation)

To age,

this autumn
why am I older
a bird in clouds

(my translation)

Think of one's neighbours,

autumn deepens
so what does he do
the man next door

(Reichold's translation)

Smile,

miming a fan
drinking sake in the shade
of the cherry blossoms

(my translation)

The book contains fine translations of all of Basho's haiku, among the best, all of the poems in Japanese and in transliteration with literal translations, good notes and helpful essays on Basho, haiku techniques, etc.

A must have book.

Ever since I first discovered Basho, some forty-plus years ago in a seventh grade English class, I have been influenced by the seeming simplicity and power of his poetry. But a complete collection of his haiku did not exist in English and I had to make do with the various partial collections which surfaced now and again.

Now, at long last, thanks to Jane Reichhold and Kodansha International, we have all of Basho's haiku in English. Basho: The Complete Haiku is a literary tour de force which every lover of haiku, poetry, and Basho needs to have on his or her bookshelf.

The book itself is beautifully done with the artwork of Shiro Tsujimura. Subtle and subdued, the illustrations please and tantalize the eye. Offering a wonderful visual counterpoint to the poems themselves.

Reichhold, a haiku poet in her own right, has been on the English haiku scene from the beginning. Her understanding of the form is second to none and she stands amongst the best of English-language haikuists. What better tribute to a poet than for another to translate his work?

Reichhold's labor of love enriches us all. In Basho: The Complete Haiku, we learn of Basho's life, what were the possible influences upon him, and how he in turn influenced others. We gain an understanding of his literary techniques, as Reichhold presents us with an appendix of analysis. A glossary of important terms is also provided. Then, of course, there are the poems.

Basho's haiku are presented in two sections: the main section, which are the superb translations; a second which gives the Japanese, a literal rendering into English, and explanatory notes. The translations themselves are spare, clean, yet full of life. The translator has clearly been touched by the spirit of her mentor. The literal renderings and notes provide the reader an opportunity to go deeper into the poem for an even richer experience of nuanced meanings. This addition gives the book greater depth.

My heartfelt thanks goes out to Jane Reichhold for translating the work of Basho and to Kodansha International for bringing the work to the world. We non-Japanese readers can now savor the full range of haiku of one of the truly great poets and philosophers. I cannot help but think the spirit of Matsuo Basho is smiling and filled with great joy.

The poet Basho (born Matsuo Kinsaku in Iga Province, Japan, in 1644) is widely regarded as the founding father of haiku as we have come to know it. It was Basho who brought to the haikai, as much pastime as poetry, of the Japanese merchant class and samurai the high seriousness of true art. High seriousness, we must remember, is not solemnity; lightness is one of the defining qualities of Basho's best poems and a key point of his aesthetic.

Now, in "Basho: The Complete Haiku," we have for the first time a translation into English of all 1012 of Basho's haiku. Jane Reichhold, an accomplished haiku poet and the author of the highly influential "Writing and Enjoying Haiku: A Hands-On Guide," has been a Basho enthusiast since she first encountered his work, an encounter that set her on her own haiku path. If her translation is a labor of love, it is also a work of dedicated scholarship and poetic sensibility. In Reichhold, the most famous Japanese poet of all time has found his translator for our time.

In addition to the poetic translations themselves, the book includes, under the heading of "Notes," the original Japanese poems, Romanized versions, literal word-for-word translations, and commentaries that are unfailingly informative and frequently illuminating.

In the back matter, Reichhold provides a chronology of the poet's life, a bibliography of Basho in English, and an index of first lines. All of these are useful, but among the book's most valuable features are a glossary of literary terms (which may also serve for some as an introduction to the spirit of haiku) and an enumeration with examples of 33 haiku techniques employed by the master. This last lends insight into Basho's work and guidance to those who, inspired as Reichhold was by that work, may want to set out on their own haiku path.

Ultimately, of course, it's the translations that count, and here Reichhold shows the sure hand of a contemporary poet who is deeply in tune the spirit of the originals. Just a sampling:

old pond
a frog jumps into
the sound of water

autumn deepens
so what does he do
the man next door

morning dew
the muddy melon stained
with coolness

For anyone seriously interested in haiku, as reader or writer or both, "Basho: The Complete Haiku" will be required reading and rereading.

I found this book tremendously helpful before my first visit to Beijing. It gives perspecitve for all vsitors to the city and puts Beijing in the context of the history of China. Easy to read for the nonacademic, I found this essential to a full appreciation of this remarkable city.

This is a great reference book for historians doing research or for anyone who wants to learn more about Beijing and Chinese history. The book leads you from Beijing's rise as an imperial capital city to its emergence as an Olympic City. Although Beijing's history is long and complicated, the authors have succeeded in the difficult task of putting so much information into a book yet keeping it succinct, interesting, and easy to follow. The fascinating stories of ordinary residents add a personal touch to the book, while the pictures revive many details of the past.

I have been to Beijing many times. But after reading the book, I felt like wanting to go back right away to find out more about this capital city.

You are in for a treat! To understand China one must understand Beijing. While written by academics it is highly accessible to the lay public - it is MUST READ for anyone who has ever visited Beijing or is contemplating a visit. The photos and color plates are fascinating. It will be of interest to anyone who wishes to understand the culture, food, customs and the multi layered history of Beijing and of China - it also provides a nuanced view of urban planning gone awry in one of the fastest changing cities on the planet.

There are plenty of recipe book out their but not many which can really claim the crown of being the best. This book really has a very good shot at it and I am saying this after trying numerous recipes from this book in last 2 years or so.

Pros:
- Good and practical book

- Lots of recipes and most use readily available(in Indian stores) ingredients or substitutes without compromising the flavor.

- All recipes are accompanied by pictures, not one but many (One image shows the finished dish while other small pictures show intermediate steps)

- Many recipes from other south Asian and neighboring countries which include Burma, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines (I tried only Indian dishes, more than half of book is dedicated to Indian dishes)

Cons:
None

This is definitely one of the best Indian curry recipe book out their. Definitely recommended.

I am currently purchasing a third copy of this book, because my friends and relatives tried multiple recipes from it and they really wanted to have the same book as me.
I cooked about half of the recipes from this book and I recommend it for any curry lover. It explains a lot, gives choices and advices, everything is precisely measured (for all ingredients there are measurments in g/oz/cups).
I love the introduction with cultural facts and descriptions.

Summary: buy it and you'll enjoy it!

I bought this book on a whim and we use it over and over. It is
easily read, followed and thus you pull it out when you feel like a curry and its condiments. This is a book you can use when you cook during the week as well as on weekends. That is a
treat. I collect cookbooks, have taken lessons in India/Thailand and the books and recipes I returned with were not user friendly because of ingredients or technique. This one is. Kudos to the author for allowing us to share the joy of these culinary adventures.

I just finished reading Beyond Paradise and I loved it. The author, Jane Hertenstein, used wonderful description, and I had a picture of each scene painted in my head. This book is a great way to teach us about the tragedies that took place in other countries during World War II.
This book is about a fifteen year old girl, Louise and her family. They move to the Philippines during the beginning of World War II. As her father goes out to meet their friend's son, he is captured by the Japanese. Louise's Mother then feels awful and is too weak to do anything. Next, her family is captured too, but they are sent to a different internment camp called Santo Tomas Internment Camp. After suffering a whole year there she is told they well be set free. Everyone piles onto a ship when they are informed that they are just being sent to another camp. Then, it occurs to Louise that this was the camp her father was at. When she finally arrives she is informed that her father was just sent away. Finally she meets up with her father and they are all in the same camp together. After another year the American soldiers come and set them free. Louise becomes friends with a young soldier but eventually has to say a sad goodbye when Louise Keller returns to America.
I recommend this book to anyone from ages 9-13. It has a wonderful plotline and extremely interesting characters. I was always eager to turn the page and find out what happened next.

...you'll love Beyond Paradise. Ms. Hartenstein's writing is subtle and beautiful. She handles a horrific experience, interrment during WWII, gently but honestly, for young readers. The main character, Louise, keeps a journal of poetry. These lovely poems are sprinkled through the text. I highly recommend this book, and I hope Ms Hertenstein writes more! END

As a nine to twelve year old girl in the Japanese internment camp, Santo Tomas Internment Camp in Manila, P I, I had many of the same experiences as Louise Keller. I was several years younger than Louise but the accuracy of Jane Hertenstein's novel is amazing. A friend gave me the book on Wednesday afternoon. I read the book Wednesday evening and was "blown" away. My memories came flooding in and my emotions flooding out. Ms. Hertenstein has done her homework. I would love to get in touch with her just to tell her how much I appreciated reading Beyond Paradise and that I have ordered six copies for my friends and my sister. I know of three different groups who are, at this time, are on their way over to the Philippines for the fifty fifth reunion of our liberation from the Japanese. By the way, I was born in Iloilo on the island of Panay in the Philippines!