The book aims to describe the history of Chan (Japanese Zen) School thought from the standpoint of social history. Chan, a school of East Asian Buddhism, was influential on all levels of societies in the region because of its intellectual and aesthetic appeal. In China, Chan infiltrated all levels of society, mainly because it engaged with society and formed the mainstream of Buddhism from the tenth or eleventh centuries through to the twentieth century. This book, taking a critical stance, examines the entire history of Chan thought and practice from the viewpoint of a modern Chinese scholar, not a practitioner, but an intellectual historian who places ideological developments in social contexts.   The author suggests that core elements of Chan have their origins in Daoist philosophers, especially Zhuangzi, and not in Indian Buddhist concepts. Covering the period from the sixth century into the twentieth century, it deals with Chan interactions with neo-Confucianism, Quanzhen Daoism, and Gongyang new text philology, as well as with literature and scholarship, its fusion with Pure Land Buddhism, and its syncretic tendencies. Chan’s exchanges with emperors from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasty, as well as the  motives of some loyalists of the Ming Dynasty for joining Chan after the fall of the Ming, are described. The book concludes with an examination of the views of Chan of Hu Shi, D.T. Suzuki, and the scholar-monk Yinshun.

In this gripping novel of faith and persecution, Bl. Newman tells the story of Callista, a young pagan woman, loved by a Christian man, who is posed with a choice between denying Christ or professing faith and the highest cost.

Writing as both a convert and a scholar of the early Church, Newman presents his reader with a rich and challenging story, deeply personal and also highly informative in its representation of early Christian life amid pagan society, in its divine raptures and earthly pains.

This edition features the original text of Newman's novel along with additional notes by Soren Filipski (MA, Franciscan University of Steubenville) providing explanations of various terms in Latin and other ancient languages that appear throughout the text.

So You Want My Handicapped Parking Place chronicles the complicated, and often humorous experiences of one man's journey through life in a wheelchair. Having contracted polio as a baby and being the last of a pastor's six children, Mario Ferrante struggled to carve out his identity as a young man and grow up to enter the professional world, start a family, and pursue the American dream like everyone else. Despite society's continual questioning and the seemingly insurmountable challenges thrown at him, Ferrante takes the world head-on persevering to earn two master's degrees, one in Business Administration and another in vocal performance. He has gone on to enjoy much success: becoming a CEO, working as a director of a Fortune Five Hundred company, traveling to Europe and the Caribbean, serving his community as a music pastor, all in addition to being happily married for almost thirty years and raising two kids. Ferrante's stories, organized by chapters with titles like "Curiosity," "Mishaps," "Vegetables," and "Naysayers," demonstrate a unique perspective to the physical and social challenges of people living with disabilities. His tenacious pursuit of a "normal" life will make you laugh, cry, and ultimately offers inspiration for how to overcome all kinds of obstacles.

There are nine (9) psychological case studies of real people dealing with depression in this 37-page booklet. Each one shows how unique the consequences of this debilitating condition can be on one's life. The author of these studies, John F. Walsh, M.S. (1937 - 2012), spent the better part of his life - 45 years - working as a crisis intervention mental health professional within various mental health hospitals. Jack had a special knack for figuring out what was wrong and helping people deal with their circumstances. The final write-up in this collection of case studies lays out his ideas for how you can best help your friend or loved one. Don't get so wrapped up in their problems that you neglect taking care of yourself.

Internment, Korea, to Solitude is an intimate glimpse into the soul of one man who, as a child, was subjected to terrible discrimination, yet chose to serve his country. Robert Wada, in his heartfelt memoir, shares the painful story of being a Japanese American who, during World War II, is sent with his family to an internment camp. The author gives us more than a history lesson-although it serves as one very well. He offers an insight into choices made and circumstances that often unfold beyond our control. Wada married young and joined the Marine Corps. During the Korean War, he lost his 18-year-old wife to illness and his lifelong friend in battle. As the years unfolded, and as Wada questioned the meaning of his life and a persistent solitude, he nevertheless created a new family and a dedication to honoring those who died in battle. This is a reminder that a life lived with pain can also be a life lived with dignity, purpose, and hope.

This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words. This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book.