The Dharma of Dragons and Daemons: Buddhist Themes in Modern Fantasy
by David R. Loy
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Description
In order to live, we need air, water, food, shelter...and stories. This book is about Buddhist stories: not about stories to be found in Buddhism, but about the "Buddhism" to be found in some of the classics of contemporary fantasy including the works of J. R. R. Tolkien, Hayao Miyazaki, Michael Ende, Philip Pullman, and Ursula K. LeGuin. Many books are called groundbreaking, but this one is truly unique and sure to appeal to anyone with an interest in fantasy literature. It employs a show more Buddhist perspective to appreciate some of the major works of modern fantasy--and uses modern fantasy fiction to elucidate Buddhist teachings. In the tradition of David Loy's cutting-edge presentation of a Buddhist social theory in The Great Awakening, this pioneering work of Buddhist literary analysis, renown scholar David Loy and Linda Goodhew offer ways of reading modern fantasy-genre fiction that illuminate both the stories themselves, and the universal qualities of Buddhist teachings. Authors examined include J.R.R. Tolkien, Philip Pullman (of The Amber Spyglass trilogy, from whose works the word "daemon" is borrowed in the title), Ursula K. LeGuin, and the anime movie Princess Mononoke. show lessTags
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Member Reviews
It's an interesting idea, looking for Buddhist themes in fantasy. David Loy takes a deep dive into fantasies recognizable by a lot of folks, such as the Lord of The Rings series. The books more and more, are the starting points for many video games so the idea that these themes are operative in spaces where lots of people invest many hours of their time it is a fruitful landscape to ponder different ways this ancient Asian Tradition is making its' way into western culture
There is a ringing affirmation of Loy's ideas in the Preface written by Jane Hirshfield. You can get a great sense of the overall book in the Introduction where Loy gives the summary of his approach,.
There is a ringing affirmation of Loy's ideas in the Preface written by Jane Hirshfield. You can get a great sense of the overall book in the Introduction where Loy gives the summary of his approach,.
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Author Information
18+ Works 845 Members
David R. Loy is the acclaimed author of The Great Awakening, The Dharma of Dragons and Daemons, and Money, Sex, War, Karma. He is qualified as a teacher in the Sanbo Kyodan tradition of Zen.
Awards and Honors
Awards
Common Knowledge
- People/Characters
- Ursula K. Le Guin; J.R.R. Tolkien; Hayao Miyazaki; Philip Pullman; Michael Ende
Classifications
- Genres
- Literature Studies and Criticism, Religion & Spirituality, Fiction and Literature
- DDC/MDS
- 809.3 — Literature & rhetoric Literature, rhetoric & criticism History, description, critical appraisal of more than two literatures Fiction
- LCC
- PN3435 .L68 — Language and Literature Literature (General) Literature (General) Prose. Prose fiction Special kinds of fiction. Fiction genres
- BISAC
Statistics
- Members
- 64
- Popularity
- 484,207
- Reviews
- 1
- Rating
- (3.33)
- Languages
- English
- Media
- Paper, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 2
- ASINs
- 1
