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.

Destiny always finds a way. Princess Leandra has been kidnapped, and only Aaron can save her. Once the kingdom’s most celebrated warrior, Aaron left behind the life of a swordsman to become a monk. But when his brother, the Captain of the Guard, pleads for his help, Aaron is forced to take up his sword again to rescue the princess from a dangerous foe—one only he has faced and survived. Can Aaron defy the odds and win a second time? Princess Leandra may have lived a sheltered life behind the kingdom’s walls, but she refuses to play the helpless damsel. From the moment she wakes in her captor's lair, she begins plotting her escape. Will her courage and wit be enough to break free? Find out what fate has in store for the brave Princess and the reluctant Monk in this tale of rescue, resilience, and redemption.

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)

This definitive biography offers abundant details on the life of Russian Czar Ivan IV, including his violent moodswings and his callous cruelty.