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Faces of Compassion: Classic Bodhisattva Archetypes and Their Modern Expression — An Introduction to Mahayana Buddhism
By Taigen Dan Leighton and Joan Halifax
535 pages
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Faces of Compassion introduces us to enlightened beings, the bodhisattvas of Buddhist lore. They're not otherworldly gods with superhuman qualities but shining examples of our own highest potential. Archetypes of wisdom and compassion, the bodhisattvas of Buddhism are powerful and compelling images of awakening. Scholar and Zen teacher Taigen Dan Leighton engagingly explores the imagery and lore of the seven most important of these archetypal figures, bringing them alive as psychological and spiritual wellsprings.
Emphasizing the universality of spiritual ideas, Leighton finds aspects of bodhisattvas expressed in a variety of familiar modern personages - from Muhammad Ali to Mahatma Gandhi, from Bob Dylan to Henry Thoreau, and from Gertrude Stein to Mother Teresa. This edition contains a revised and expanded introduction that frames the book as a exciting and broad-scoped view of Mahayana Buddhism. It's updated throughout to make it of more use to scholars and a perfect companion to survey courses of world religions or a 200-level course on Buddhism.
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Faces of Compassion: Classic Bodhisattva Archetypes and Their Modern Expression ― An Introduction to Mahayana Buddhism Paperback – Illustrated, May 1, 2012
by Taigen Dan Leighton (Author), Joan Halifax Roshi (Foreword)
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2013 Nautilus Book Award — Gold Medal in Religion/Spirituality — Eastern
Faces of Compassion introduces us to enlightened beings, the bodhisattvas of Buddhist lore. They're not otherworldly gods with superhuman qualities but shining examples of our own highest potential. Archetypes of wisdom and compassion, the bodhisattvas of Buddhism are powerful and compelling images of awakening. Scholar and Zen teacher Taigen Dan Leighton engagingly explores the imagery and lore of the seven most important of these archetypal figures, bringing them alive as psychological and spiritual wellsprings.
Emphasizing the universality of spiritual ideas, Leighton finds aspects of bodhisattvas expressed in a variety of familiar modern personages - from Muhammad Ali to Mahatma Gandhi, from Bob Dylan to Henry Thoreau, and from Gertrude Stein to Mother Teresa. This edition contains a revised and expanded introduction that frames the book as a exciting and broad-scoped view of Mahayana Buddhism. It's updated throughout to make it of more use to scholars and a perfect companion to survey courses of world religions or a 200-level course on Buddhism.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"Faces of Compassion captures the poignant truth that that a bodhisattva may appear in the form of a pirate or a spiritual leader and modernizes it, bringing the bodhisattva ideal into the present." ― Tricycle
"In his wonderful book Leighton animates the history of Buddhism and offers insight into human nature and contemporary culture." ― Turning Wheel
"What Leighton offers is the living tradition of Mahayana Buddhism: diverse, mysterious, vibrant, real." ― Journal of Buddhist Ethics
"Edifying and imaginative..A modern spiritual classic." ― Spirituality and Health
"Faces of Compassion is a wonderful resource and source of guidance and teaching…an invaluable companion to our lives." -- Joan Halifax Roshi, Head Teacher, Upaya Institute
"The lay reader will take from the book an appreciation for the complexity of Buddhist doctrine as well as a sense that bodhisattvas may well be living amongst us." ― Foreword magazine
"Vigorous and inspiring, Faces of Compassion guides the reader into the awakening life within our contemporary world. An informative, useful, exhilarating work." -- Jane Hirshfield, author of Women in Praise of the Sacred
"A clear-as-a-bell introduction to Buddhist thought." -- Zoketsu Norman Fischer, Senior Dharma Teacher of San Francisco Zen Center and author of Benedict's Dharma
"Taigen Dan Leighton has lovingly illumined still another dimension of the human condition." -- John Daishin Buksbazen, author of Zen Meditation in Plain English
"This is useful as a fine axe...the perfect antidote to today's spiritual materialism." -- Peter Coyote, actor and author of Sleeping Where I Fall
From the Back Cover
"To meet the bodhisattvas is to embrace more fully our own humanity, and our ultimate capacity for courage, devotion, compassion, and transcendent wisdom. Taigen Dan Leighton has lovingly illuminated still another dimension of the human condition. This is a tour de fource."—John Daishin Buksbazen, author of Zen Meditation in Plain English
Archetypes of wisdom and compassion, the bodhisattvas of Buddhism are powerful and compelling images of awakening. Scholar and Zen teacher Taigen Dan Leighton explores the imagery and lore of the seven most important of these archetypal figures, bringing them alive as psychological and spiritual wellsprings. Emphasizing the universality of spiritual ideals, Leighton finds aspects of the bodhisattvas expressed in a variety of familiar modern personages—from Muhammad Ali to Mahatma Gandhi, from Bob Dylan to Henry Thoreau, and from Gertrude Stein to Mother Teresa. This book also functions as a thorough and engaging introduction to the world of Mahayana Buddhism.
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Product details
Publisher : Wisdom Publications; 2nd edition (May 1, 2012)
Language : English
Paperback : 352 pages
ISBN-10 : 1614290148
ISBN-13 : 978-1614290148
Item Weight : 1.07 pounds
Dimensions : 6 x 0.9 x 9 inches
Best Sellers Rank: #713,984 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
#84 in Mahayana Buddhism
#329 in Buddhist History (Books)
#371 in Religious Arts & Photography
Customer Reviews: 4.9 out of 5 stars 21 ratings
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SaltyDog
5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating book but a bit weedy
Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2018
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This volume is a revision of a previous book, which I haven't read. In this new version, the author and publisher have two somewhat conflicting goals: One, to create an accessible and very interesting volume. Success!! I enjoyed it and learned a lot. However, the apparent goal to create an academic volume on bodhisattvas competes with accessibility. It may be frustrating for the reader who either cannot or doesn't care to get into the weeds about the 35 manifestations of Avalokitesvara or the 10 vows of another bodhisattva. But the reader should not be discouraged. She should scan the weedy sections to get a taste of the beautiful complexities, undaunted by the details. But I will keep this book nearby so I can find these details if and when I need them. Dharmas are boundless. My bodhisattva vow is to be teachable.
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Bernard McGovern
5.0 out of 5 stars Leading Buddhist Archetypes from History
Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2019
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A remarkably clear and easy to read book, creating archetypes for 7 key leaders in Buddhist philosophy. Accessible for beginners and knowledgeable student alike.
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Diana M. Johnson
5.0 out of 5 stars Broadened my Horizons
Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2016
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I was introduced to several new, yet widely popular, bodhisattvas. And I learned volumes about those bodhisattvas I thought I already knew -- especially cultural practices associated with each across the broad spectrum of Asian expressions.
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carmine branagan
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2015
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Compelling. Well written.
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Vidusi
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 4, 2016
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Very interesting
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mrs catherine hymas
5.0 out of 5 stars great
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 18, 2016
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Well written and interesting. Covers lots of background to Buddhism which i found helpful.
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Faces of Compassion: Classic Bodhisattva Archetypes and Their Modern Expression
by
Taigen Dan Leighton,
Joan Halifax (Foreword)
4.19 · Rating details · 42 ratings · 1 review
This wonderful book could also be artly titled "An Introduction to Mahayana Buddhism." From Ali to Gandhi, Dylan to Thoreau, and from Gertrude Stein to Mother Theresa, Faces of Compassion introduces us to enlightened beings, the bodhisattvas of Buddhist lore. They're not otherworldly gods with superhuman qualities, but shining examples of our own highest potential. Zen teacher and scholar Taigen Dan Leighton takes us through the ages to meet the people who have shaped history and society with their compassion and wisdom. Faces of Compassion emphasizes the universality of spiritual ideals, and the power each of us has to change our world. (less)
Write a review
Dec 23, 2013Jon Ciliberto rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Shelves: buddhism-and-buddhist-art
Religious art’s purpose is, obviously, religious. Faces of Compassion, by Zen teacher Taigen Dan Leighton approaches iconography from this direction, and moves from the often distanced, scientific approach to images commonly found in volumes on Buddhist art to engaging directly the religious efficacy of observing and using images. Images in Buddhist art are a means, not an end. His approach is fresh, and of great usefulness to modern readers: by seeking for archetypes in real, familiar, modern day individuals, he provides those seeking models for a compassionate live ready and understandable guides. Full review at http://buddhistartnews.wordpress.com/... (less)
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1 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars5 of 5 stars
Faces of Compassion: Classic Bodhisattva Archetypes and Their Modern Expression
by
Taigen Dan Leighton,
Joan Halifax (Foreword)
4.19 · Rating details · 42 ratings · 1 review
This wonderful book could also be artly titled "An Introduction to Mahayana Buddhism." From Ali to Gandhi, Dylan to Thoreau, and from Gertrude Stein to Mother Theresa, Faces of Compassion introduces us to enlightened beings, the bodhisattvas of Buddhist lore. They're not otherworldly gods with superhuman qualities, but shining examples of our own highest potential. Zen teacher and scholar Taigen Dan Leighton takes us through the ages to meet the people who have shaped history and society with their compassion and wisdom. Faces of Compassion emphasizes the universality of spiritual ideals, and the power each of us has to change our world. (less)
Write a review
Dec 23, 2013Jon Ciliberto rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Shelves: buddhism-and-buddhist-art
Religious art’s purpose is, obviously, religious. Faces of Compassion, by Zen teacher Taigen Dan Leighton approaches iconography from this direction, and moves from the often distanced, scientific approach to images commonly found in volumes on Buddhist art to engaging directly the religious efficacy of observing and using images. Images in Buddhist art are a means, not an end. His approach is fresh, and of great usefulness to modern readers: by seeking for archetypes in real, familiar, modern day individuals, he provides those seeking models for a compassionate live ready and understandable guides. Full review at http://buddhistartnews.wordpress.com/... (less)
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
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Faces of Compassion
Classic Bodhisattva Archetypes and Their Modern Expression
By Taigen Dan Leighton
https://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/book-reviews/view/912/faces-of-compassion
An exploration of the imagery and lore of seven important archetypal bodhisattvas of Buddhism.
Book Review by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
"Bodhisattvas are beings who are dedicated to the universal awakening or enlightenment of everyone. They exist as guides and providers of succor to suffering beings and offer everyone an approach to meaningful spiritual life," writes Zen priest, leader, and translator Taigen Daniel Leighton. In this edifying and imaginative revised edition of his 1998 classic with a foreword by Joan Halifax, he examines the seven major bodhisattva figures of the Mahayana tradition. There are five cosmic or mythic bodhisattvas — Manjushri (prince of wisdom), Samantabhadra (wisdom), Avalokiteshvara (heart of compassion), Kshitigarbha (earth mother), Maitreya (lovingkindness) — and two historical ones — the Buddha Shakyamuni (who was first Siddhartha Gautama) and Vimalakirti (a layman iconoclastic follower of Skakuyamuni). Leighton keys each of these liberators to the ten transcendent practices called the paramitas in Sanskrit.
Perhaps the most innovative and dramatic aspect of the book is the way the author discusses modern exemplars of the seven bodhisattva archetypes including Bob Dylan, Margaret Mead, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Albert Schweitzer, Toni Morrison, Gary Snyder, and Thich Nhat Hanh. He concludes "The bodhisattvas are not glorified, exotic, unnatural beings but simply our own best qualities in full flower."
This is a watershed Buddhist work on the qualities that make for sainthood in our times. It deserves to be put on the shelf next to Joan Chittister's A Passion for Life: Fragments of the Face of God (1996) and Robert Ellsberg's All Saints: Daily Reflections on Saints, Prophets, and Witnesses for Our Time. (1997)
READ AN EXCERPT ON DEVOTION
Wisdom Publications, 05/12
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