The Prince And The Monk

The Prince and the Monk addresses the historical development of the political and religious myths surrounding Shōtoku Taishi and their influence on Shinran, the founder of the Jōdo-Shinshū school of Pure Land Buddhism. Shōtoku Taishi (574–622) was a prince who led the campaign to unify Japan, wrote the imperial constitution, and promoted Buddhism as a religion of peace and prosperity. Shinran's Buddhism developed centuries later during the Kamakura period, which began in the late twelfth century. Kenneth Doo Young Lee discusses Shinran's liturgical text, his dream of Shōtoku's manifestation as Kannon (the world-saving Bodhisattva of Compassion), and other relevant events during his life. In addition, this book shows that Shinran's Buddhism was consistent with honji suijaku culture—the synthesis of the Shinto and Buddhist pantheons—prevalent during the Kamakura period.

How Shinran, a seminal figure in Pure Land Buddhism, was guided by a vision of Shoμtoku, the imperial prince who was both a political and religious figure.

A Debate between the Monk George and Muslim Theologians in the Court of Saladin (1165 AD) from a Kharshuni manuscript.Translated by Dale A. Johnson amd Abu-Karim Mattar (Hakkoum)

A young prince is born into a family of warriors in the mighty kingdom of 'Vasir'. The young prince is not interested in becoming strong like his brothers and father. Instead, he journeys to find peace in the kingdom's forest. While in the forest, the young prince meets a new friend who teaches him lessons that will change his life and the mighty kingdom forever. This is a tale to inspire young boys to control their anger and find peaceful solutions to fighting as told through this exciting story. A book to be shared in schools or at home with the family.

Athiyaman, a hardened warrior, fearsome to his enemies and magnanimous to those he favoured. Kumanan, a king so benevolent that he was even willing to sacrifice his own life for another. The poet Pisiraandaiyar, who stood by his royal friend Kopperuncholan even in the worst of times. And Avvaiyar, a venerable woman poet, respected by rulers and subjects alike. This colourful and powerful cast of characters comes together in The Prince Who Became a Monk and Other Stories from Tamil Literature. Selected and translated by Sahitya Akademi award-winner M.L. Thangappa, the stories in this volume were originally poems written by famed Tamil poets belonging to a time when kings and poets equalled each other in authority and respect, and when valour and talent were considered the greatest virtues. These tales celebrate family, friendships and bonds that survive the tests of distance and time, bringing to the fore historical figures who depict faith, humility and kindness. Through delicately woven imagery and subtly imparted wisdom, this collection of more than 35 stories brings alive an era of glory, and the poets who immortalized it in their words.

After twenty years of searching, King Waluyo finally gets his son back. He cannot understand why his beloved younger wife had insisted that their son become a monk. What was she hiding from him? Why did she want to separate their only child from him? When he learns that Alak Tegoh the crown prince is not his biological son, he realises that Queen Megabintang may have poisoned his other children. To protect his only living child and the people of his kingdom, Waluyo must use all his political acumen. His biggest hurdle, however, is Parantapa's attitude towards politics and war. Can he persuade his son to relinquish his Buddhistic upbringing of non-violence? Or will he fail and see all that he has built fall into the hands of his brother-in-law, King Jayagapor?