Conflict, Culture, Change

"Conflict, Culture, Change is a collection of essays, which give one a good idea of the author's breadth of knowledge and depth of understanding, as well as his wonderful ability to apply the ancient teachings of the Buddha to the practical problems of our modern society. Not surprisingly, the book begins with a consideration of the role of nonviolence in a world riddled with conflict of one kind or another. Next he addresses the enduring issue of racial and cultural reconciliation, arguing that reconciliation is not merely about forgiveness and compensation. Sulak Sivaraksa also has many sound insights into the virtues of simplicity, humility, and compassion without which our world cannot survive. One essay focuses on the connection between Buddhism and Environmentalism, for which the author himself has been a vigorous spokesman. This small volume has a punch all its own: It speaks with integrity."

"Sulak Sivaraksa has set an admirable example of the relevance of Buddhism in the contemporary world."

"Known as one of Asia's leading social thinkers, Sulak Sivaraksa sees the goals of Buddhist development as equality, love, freedom, and liberation."

"Sulak Sivaraksa is a bodhisattva who devotes all of his energies to helping others."

"An irrepressible campaigner for a sane and just society, Sulak unites the strengths of a traditional Dharmic sensibility with the critical rigor of a Western-educated intellectual. His life offers an heroic example of engaged Buddhism in practice."

"Like Gandhi, Sulak offers great inspiration to a civilization that has lost its way."

"Sulak is one of the heroes of our time, offering us deep wisdom and refreshingly sane alternatives to the Earth-destroying religions of consumerism, greed, and exploitation."