This book comprehensively examines religious faith in China from the perspective of cultural philosophy and cultural history. It explores the social, political, cultural and spiritual meanings of religions, tracing their historical development and related paradigm shifts. It also analyzes the characteristics of the country's local religions and the process of indigenization of world religions, and describes the peaceful co-existence and harmonious confluence of multiple religions in Chinese spiritual life, revealing the vibrant and diverse colors of its religious culture. Examining these religions' social and cultural functions in contemporary Chinese society, the book demonstrates the rich and complex intertwinement of religious faith, cultural spirit and national disposition among the Chinese people.

This book comprehensively examines religious faith in China from the perspective of cultural philosophy and cultural history. It explores the social, political, cultural and spiritual meanings of religions, tracing their historical development and related paradigm shifts. It also analyzes the characteristics of the country's local religions and the process of indigenization of world religions, and describes the peaceful co-existence and harmonious confluence of multiple religions in Chinese spiritual life, revealing the vibrant and diverse colors of its religious culture. Examining these religions' social and cultural functions in contemporary Chinese society, the book demonstrates the rich and complex intertwinement of religious faith, cultural spirit and national disposition among the Chinese people.

This interdisciplinary study explores Marian imagery and representations in world literature and art throughout the centuries. This book demonstrates the widespread deep veneration of the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary in various countries and different Christian traditions. Devotion to the Holy Virgin has served as a bridge to different cultures, overcoming all types of possible borders. Religious and cultural literacy is crucial for domestic and international politics, the practice of peace, harmony, justice and prosperity. This book also gives recognition and pays homage to the influence of the image of Mater Dolorosa in shaping art and literature around the world.

Businesses, consumers, industry groups, and governments understand the importance of innovation for continued economic success and improvements in quality of life. However, innovation in the housing and residential construction industry remains a topic about which little is known while a small but growing literature is making positive progress. Building on the first book in the Housing Innovation collection, the purpose of this book is to share new research paradigms that focus on innovation and are, in and of themselves, innovative. The first chapters focus on a newly created diffusion of innovation model and its application to the industry while later chapters showcase several innovative techniques that shed new light on housing, residential construction, and policy-making. As the second book in the Housing Innovation collection, this book is designed to assist readers as they continue to peel back the complex layers of innovation in housing and residential construction.

The Olympic Tour of China: Seeing Sports, Venues, Cities and Parks All Together in Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Qingdao, Qinhuangdao and Shenyang The holding of the 2008 Olympics is an important event in the history of China. Many Chinese see it as a symbol of China's growing power and its increasingly important role in international arenas and thus have made tremendous efforts to make it successful. For many outside China, it is a great opportunity to travel to China and see the 2008 Olympic Summer Games as well as the transformation of the cities of China, even as a post Olympic tour. This guide book is to help international tourists to plan and to make a successful Olympic trip in China. This book covers: All Olympic Co-host cites in mainland China Easy way of buying Olympic event tickets Better deals in booking local hotels and air tickets Olympic events and schedule Numerous photos from inner cities How to arrive at Olympic Venues by public transportation Hotels, shops, gourmet streets and bars in the Olympic co-host cities Price negotiation skills and bilingual phrases Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Qingdao, Qinhuangdao and Shenyang

Tai Chi Sword is a weaponry form of Tai Chi practice, in which the sword is viewed as an extension of body. With the balance of body and sword, you will achieve a greater level of Tai Chi spirit, integrating your body movements with the sword and moving your energy through the weapon in a smooth and graceful way. Tai Chi sword preserves the same principles of Tai Chi Chuan. Via its fundamental weapon movements (lashing, carrying, raising, blocking, striking, piercing, pointing, felling, stirring, pressing, chopping, intercepting, and clearing), Tai Chi Sword forms a supreme form of martial art for average people to improve mental and physical awareness and fitness. The 32 Simplified Forms explained in this book is the first lesson for Tai Chi Sword and can be practiced by anyone over 13 years old. Ancient in its origin and deep in spiritual roots, Tai Chi Sword is "moving meditation" for many who practice it and will continue to bring harmony and health to mankind.