Two issues central to the transition from the Koryo to the Choson dynasty in fourteenth-century Korea were social differences in ruling elites and the decline of Buddhism, which had been the state religion. In this revisionist history, Juhn Ahn challenges the long-accepted Confucian critique that Buddhism had become so powerful and corrupt that the state had to suppress it. When newly rising elites (many with strong ties to the Mongols) used lavish donations to Buddhist institutions to enhance their status, older elites defended their own adherence to this time-honored system by arguing that their donations were linked to virtue. This emphasis on virtue and the consequent separation of religion from wealth facilitated the Confucianization of Korea and the relegation of Buddhism to the margins of public authority during the Choson dynasty.

"Two issues central to the transition from the Koryo to the Choson dynasty in fourteenth-century Korea were social differences in ruling elites and the decline of Buddhism, which had been the state religion. In this revisionist history, Juhn Ahn challenges the long-accepted Confucian critique that Buddhism had become so powerful and corrupt that the state had to suppress it, finding instead that the separation of religion from wealth facilitated the Confucianization of Korea and the relegation of Buddhism to the margins of public authority."--Provided by publisher.

"Two issues central to the transition from the Koryo to the Choson dynasty in fourteenth-century Korea were social differences in ruling elites and the decline of Buddhism, which had been the state religion. In this revisionist history, Juhn Ahn challenges the long-accepted Confucian critique that Buddhism had become so powerful and corrupt that the state had to suppress it, finding instead that the separation of religion from wealth facilitated the Confucianization of Korea and the relegation of Buddhism to the margins of public authority."--Provided by publisher.

The Buddha said that "everything we need to know about life can be found inside this fathom-long body." Then why is most people's spirituality--whether Buddhist, Christian, or Jewish--completely cut off from their body? In this provocative and groundbreaking book, you'll discover that enlightenment comes not from "out there," but from a deep understanding of our own personal biology. Using the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, a traditional Buddhist meditation, Nisker shows how cutting-edge science is proving the tenets first offered by the Buddha. And he provides a practical program, complete with meditations and exercises, that enables readers to become mindful of the origins of emotions, desires, and thoughts. One of the great synthesizers of East and West, Nisker shows how to incorporate the traditional understanding of the Buddha with the latest scientific discoveries while on our spiritual journey. He shows that we are not separate from nature and the evolving universe. The way to enlightenment lies within our very biology. Most important, Nisker offers a practical program--complete with meditations and exercises--so readers can take their own evolutionary journey into their bodies to find the origins of emotions, desires, and thoughts. Nisker provides a liberating way for each of us to incorporate into our lives the understanding, proven by the latest scientific evidence and foretold in the great traditional teachings of the Buddha, that we are not separate from nature and the evolving universe. Our biology is not our destiny, but our way to enlightenment.

"Buddhist Genealogy: Finding Our Enlightenment Ancestors" is an illuminating special report by David Ford, a writer with deep roots in Buddhist communities and a profound understanding of Buddhism's historical and spiritual tenets. This captivating exploration sheds light on an unconventional lineage-not merely one of blood and family names, but a lineage of wisdom, spiritual growth, and enlightenment. Ford's engaging prose leads readers on a journey through time, tracing the footsteps of spiritual ancestors whose wisdom has influenced, shaped and imbued the Buddhist path for generations. The report is neatly presented in ten engaging chapters: Tracing the Roots: Understanding Buddhist Genealogy The Enlightenment Genealogy: Its Significance and Relevance Linking the Past with the Present: Spiritual Lineages A Path to the Past: Studying Ancient Buddhist Scriptures Unveiling Ancestors: Chronicles of Remarkable Individuals Transmitting Wisdom: Dharma Lineages Across the Ages Spiritual Heritage & Identity: The Impact on Individual Practice Capitalize on Spirituality: Applying Ancestral Wisdom in Modern Times Venerable Masters: Enlightened Figures in Buddhist Genealogy Personal Journey: Finding Your Spiritual Lineage Whether you're a committed Buddhist practitioner seeking deeper insights, a history enthusiast curious about the origins of spiritual teachings, or a spiritual seeker wishing to understand your place in the greater lineage of enlightenment, this report is both a key and a roadmap, opening doors to hidden chambers in the grand mansion that is our shared spiritual heritage. Join David Ford in this enlightening exploration as we unveil the stories, teachings, and individuals who have tirelessly transmitted the lamp of wisdom across the ages.