Tales of Ai Tai To offers readers the ability to understand this ancient spiritual way and apply it to their lives. After each story there is a section called “Something to think about” where the reader is challenged to consider the teaching in the story and what it means to them. Kurt Aschermann is a follower of Tao and has written four books about coaching sports, a children’s chapter book and a book about the search for meaning and a spiritual life.

31 inspiring stories by Chuang Tzu, Lao Tzu, and other Taoist masters—now presented in one easy-to-read volume featuring over 100 photographs. For thousands of years, students of the Tao have gleaned inspiration and illumination from its parables, and these thought-provoking examples discuss topics ranging from dignity in the face of challenge, to judging character, to how to deal with loss. Whether solidifying a spiritual truth, unravelling a puzzle for contemplation, or providing a moment of humor, these tales are a mainstay of Eastern philosophy. This unique collection brings together the most inspiring, illuminating and downright funny stories from the classical works of Taoist masters, alongside new writing inspired by traditional tales. Set against a backdrop of the mountains, waterfalls and gorges of China, these tales introduce important Taoist ideas about many of the most basic human experiences—including birth, death, loss, pleasure, and how to surrender to the most fundamental experience of the Tao itself. Interwoven with classic Taoist quotations and illustrated with beautiful photography throughout, these engrossing narratives are as relevant today as they were in the great dynasties of ancient China.

"The myth of the toad king is an important one for the Thai/Lao people, who have been faced with drought year in and year out, and it celebrates the battle victory of a human king, Phya Khankhaak, over the rain god, Phya Thaen. The story begins with the installation onto the throne and the recognition of Phya Khankhaak as a meritorious and just king by all creatures in the universe. Such an occurrence so humiliates Phya Thaen that he wields his power and lashes his great wrath on earth with drastic drought and hellish fire. Lucid and vivid descriptions of Phya Khankhaak's army and battle against Phya Thaen form the major part of the story. After the triumph of the human king over the god, Phya Thaen is forced to send down the rain seasonably to earth until the final destruction of earth arrives." "The translation is designed to be readable and accurate, as well as to convey the original cadences and nuances in the English translation. To accomplish such goals, translator Wajuppa Tossa assumes the roles of both a medium and a storyteller. The text is illustrated with intricate line drawings of mythical creatures and characters as well as scenes alluded to in the narrative." "Adding to the reader's appreciation of the significance of the myth in Thai culture are a summary of the story, notes on the translation, a biographical sketch of the late scribe, his writing samples, elegiac poems sung at his wake, and Isan geographical and historical backgrounds."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

This book takes a fresh look at early modern Japanese Confucian thought through a study of Kumazawa Banzan (1619-91). It argues that, contrary to the often-held view that Confucianism was an ideological tool used to support the current regime, Banzan's thought suggests that the traditioncontained elements subversive to the status quo: Banzan is presented as a figure of protest. The book explores his stormy relations with feudal authority and his remonstrations against contemporary maladministration. Banzan also criticized the historical militarization of Japanese societyand high consumption, which he believed to cause deforestation and climatic warming. His thinking extended to metaphysics and the question of Japan's national identity. A remarkable feature of his thought was his identification of an arcadian society in the Tale of Genji, a book condemned bymost of his fellow Confucian thinkers. This book is based on Banzan's written works, both published and in manuscript, his correspondence, and other contemporary sources.

An annotated bibliography of contemporary Chinese novels and short stories published between 1949 and 1974. Includes succinct summaries and bibliographic detailes, including references to translations, for virtually all fictional works published in China during this period. Also includes author, title, and subject indexes.