Carmen Blacker Bücher

This classic work describes shamanic figures surviving in Japan today, their initiatory dreams, ascetic practices, the supernatural beings with whom they communicate, and the geography of the other world in myth and legend.

About This Book: Shingon -- the Tantric Buddism of Japan -- teaches that is is possible to attain buddhahood immediately, in this very life, by performing certain practices of body, speech, and mind. For centuries these esoteric teachings were kept secret, were never written, and were revealed only to initiates. However, in the 1940's Shingon doctrine and practice began to be published in Japan for the first time. This is the first comprehensive study of Shingon to appear in any Western language. This book tells the history of Shingon. It discusses the metaphysics of Shingon, Shingon scripture, and the entire range of Shingon practices and excercises, including mudras, incantations, and visualizations. Book Details: Trade paperback, 244 pp, b &w illustrations, End Notes, Appendix, Index.

This is the story of a Japanese princess, the first autobiography by a member of the Japanese Imperial Family published in English. Setsuko, Princess Chichibu, was born in Walton-on-Thames, England, in 1909. She was educated at the Peeresses' School for Girls in Tokyo and the Friends School in Washington before marrying Prince Chichibu, the younger brother of Emperor Hirohito and next in line for the throne. Despite her distinguished noble lineage from the Matsudaira family, she was considered a commoner since her father had renounced his title, necessitating her 'adoption' into the Imperial Family. Their marriage took place in September 1928, and she lived until the age of 85, passing away in August 1995, long after the Prince’s premature death from tuberculosis. Her life unfolds like a remarkable 'fairy' tale, albeit in a challenging era. While much could be elaborated upon, much remains unspoken, with layers of meaning 'between the lines.' Both the Prince, who studied in London and Oxford, and the Princess had strong ties to England and the United States. Their experience during World War II was particularly harrowing, as they faced the conflict between their mother country and their adopted nations. In the post-war years, the Princess traveled extensively in Europe to rekindle old friendships and was deeply loved and admired. They had no children.