Most modern scholars recognize that there were great differences between China's ruling elite in the middle and late traditional period; many have called the period up through the T'ang dynasty aristocratic, in contrast to the more meritocratic and socially mobile age that followed. But until now there has been no serious effort to discover how the social elite was defined in medieval times, and who belonged to it. David Johnson discusses in detail medieval definitions of the social elite, and, with the help of several manuscripts of the ninth century, identifies the families that belonged to that class.

Most modern scholars recognize that there were great differences between China's ruling elite in the middle and late traditional period; many have called the period up through the T'ang dynasty "aristocratic," in contrast to the more meritocratic and socially mobile age that followed. But until now there has been no serious effort to discover how the social elite was defined in medieval times, and who belonged to it. David Johnson discusses in detail medieval definitions of the social elite, and, with the help of several manuscripts of the ninth century, identifies the families that belonged to that class.

Despite the environmental, human rights and dam safety issues that convinced the Clinton Administration to abstain from the Three Gorges Dam (TGD) project, the United States should reevaluate and pursue a participatory policy in order to confront these troubling issues from inside. Altering or retrofitting current dam construction, incorporating new building techniques and environmental safeguards and implementing resettlement approaches documented by the World Commission of Dams are some of the methods that could be explored cooperatively with the Chinese. Active U.S. participation could increase the role of U.S. businesses in the dam and the development of Chongqing that may become the "center of gravity" for the China's western economic expansion. Only though participatory diplomacy and economic influence can we lessen the environmental and social impacts of building the world's largest hydroelectric dam but also increase economic opportunities for U.S. businesses.

Just what did the Buddha teach? How did he teach meditation? There are so many methods - which one is the original one Nibbana can be achieved here and now. If you don't believe it, listen in with Bhante Vimalaramsi as he talks to his retreaters every night at the 6PM Dhamma Talk. Bhante spent 3 mos in a cave in Thailand, with a cobra no less, to try to understand just what the earliest suttas from the Tripitaka actually teach you in terms of how to meditate. These methods have appeared to have changed over the last 2500 years. Which is the right one? He spent 20 years with many Burmese, Thai and Sri Lankan masters, yet finally just got a copy of the Majjhima Nikaya and went into the jungle to figure it out for himself and now he teaches what he found in that Thai Jungle. And we can listen in on that in this book as he gives talks to meditators and answers their questions on his typical 10-day retreat. He found a particular step that was left out. It made all the difference in the world. Bhante goes through the instructions, handling simpler distractions and obstacles and then moves into deeper Dhamma such as the 8 Jhanas and Dependent Origination and finally Nibbana, all of which can be experienced on these retreats. Awakening can take place in weeks and not years or decades. The Buddha stated that this practice is immediately effective. All of these talks are based on suttas from the Majjhima Nikaya translated by Bhikkhu Bodhi (Wisdom Publications - 1995).

Now in a revised and updated third edition, this classic text is the first student-oriented book on the important subject of oral development and histology. For the first time, full color illustrations and histologic radiographs are included to complement and support the expertly written text. The book covers the whole field of oral development and histology, addressing topics such as crown formation, root structures, wound healing, histology of oral mucosa and tonsils, and much more! Special Features of the new third edition: Color photographs and histologic images side-by-side with the text to enhance your understanding of the subject "Clinical Applications" show you how to apply this valuable information, bridging the gap between basic science and clinical treatment New chapters on molecular biology of tooth initiation, induction, enamel, as well as gerontology Full coverage of the genetics of facial and dental formation and malformation syndromes Review questions and self-contained study units in every chapter Whether you are a student learning a new field or an experienced practitioner looking for a refresher, Oral Development and Histology, Third Edition is the most comprehensive book available in the field. Highly organized and designed, it will make your work easier and more rewarding!