Contains the translation and interpretation of the works of Kukai (744-845), the founder of the Japanese Shingon School of Buddhism.

Grand in its sweep, this survey of the sacred writings of the major religions of the world offers a thoughtful introduction to the ideas and beliefs upon which great faiths are built. Under the expert guidance of John Bowker, a religious scholar and author of international stature, readers explore the key texts of Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jain, Sikh, Buddhist, Parsi, Confucian, Daoist, and Shinto traditions. The author discusses some 400 books, among them such well-known sacred texts as the Bible and the Quran, but also spiritual writings by theologians, philosophers, poets, and others. Bowker provides clear and illuminating commentary on each text, describing the content and core tenets of the work and quoting pertinent passages. He also sets the writings in religious and historical contexts, showing how they have influenced—and in many cases continue to influence—artistic, musical, literary, and political traditions. The Message and the Book is essential reading for anyone who wishes to understand the meaning and the deep significance of primary religious texts of civilizations around the globe.

The Lotus Sūtra is one of the most important sūtras in Mahāyāna Buddhism. Translated by Kumārajīva in the 5th century, its teachings have inspired many Buddhist scholars such as Chih-i and Saichō from the Tiantai (Tendai) tradition, Dōgen from the Zen tradition and Nichiren the 13th century Kamakura founder and reformer. There is a relative lack of scholarly works that are devoted to an examination of how its philosophical ideas were received and developed throughout history. This book remedies that lack by tracing the origin and development of Lotus Sūtra thought, and interprets the text from the perspective of the doctrine of Buddha-nature in Mahāyāna Buddhism.

Anesthetist and pain specialist, Maria Paola Brugnoli, brings together her experience, knowledge and emotional intelligence in this integrative work on clinical hypnosis and pain management. In it, she presents a new system approach to study the neurophysiological states of consciousness to improve the use of clinical hypnosis and mindfulness in pain therapy and palliative care. The book explores the fields of clinical hypnosis and mindfulness as applied to the therapy of suffering and various type of acute and chronic pain, and in dying patients. It is organized in order to show all scientific neuropsychological theories currently in use regarding various types of pain and suffering. The author’s deep sensitivity is most notable in her attention to the dignity of the person in pain. She gathers together the techniques for distracting them from the painful present and transporting them to another dimension. One can imagine her psychological hand-holding and support as she moves her patients from suffering to relief. Ample scripts are provided to the reader for many inductions. The handbook is enriched by medical and hypnotic techniques for pain analgesia as well as hypnotic deepening techniques to activate spiritual awareness. It also indicates when and how to use them with children and adults. With extensive references, this book offers accessible concepts and practical suggestions to the reader. It highlights the relational and the creative process, encouraging each clinician to find his or her own way of facilitating the mechanisms in the patient to alleviate pain and suffering. This book is intended for all the professionals working every day with pain and suffering.