(4/2011) Book Review: Transforming Human Awareness

Reviewed By: Dr. Joseph S. Maresca

Transforming Human Awareness-A Buddhist View of 2012 and Beyond By Dr. Juna Jinsei    (Outskirts Press/2011)

Today’s world has its share of war. Shakyamuni Buddha predicted that this era would arrive. Mappo would be a time of utter chaos and confusion. i.e. Transformation of Russia, Egypt, Tunisia, Libya, Lebanon and perhaps Syria.

Right now, changes are occurring in governments more easily. The Lotus Sutra describes the onslaught of this moment as the Ceremony of the Air, when the Great Buddhas and Bodhisattvas surpass  time and space to reunite and transfer the essence of the Lotus Sutra to the Bodhisattva Jogyo so that this simple teaching can be shared with the rest of the world. The good news is that Mappo is an age when attaining enlightenment becomes easier.

The book discovers three important marks of human existence; namely, impermanence, suffering and no-self. Impermanence and change mark the current period. Hopefully, a sustainable world order of things will emerge from the present flux. By sustainable, I refer to the food supply, air quality, affordable energy, waste recycling and a plethora of things having to do with maintaining a good quality of life on earth for the next thousand years and beyond.

Breathing is extolled for the accumulation of prana, relaxation and invigorating energy or Qi. The author describes a traditional Thai farmhouse which has nothing but open space. The electric bill is a mere $27. per month. The kitchen is simplified so that there is half the equipment, half the dishes and half the cabinets.

The trend is to create simpler and smaller houses that are essentially energy independent and therefore highly sustainable in the short and long run. 

The book has many basic principles which govern a sustainable life in a new order of things in the world. Examples are as follows:

o Respect and care for the community of life

o Care for life with understanding, care and love

o Build democratic societies that are just, participatory and peaceful

o Secure the earth’s bounty now and forever

o Protect the earth’s ecological systems with concern for biological diversity

o Adopt patterns of production and consumption that preserve the earth’s regenerative capacities

o Eradicate poverty

o Strengthen democratic institutions and provide transparency and accountability

o Promote education and life-long learning on an integrative basis

Overall, the contents of this work are considerable. Multiple readings of this book may be in order to fully understand and appreciate the concepts enunciated. The book is highly recommended for academicians and social thinkers everywhere. The perspective is multi-disciplinary in nature.  There is an extensive glossary and reference section which explains the many new terms introduced to the general reading public.

Dr. Juna Jinsei is a Pastoral Counseling Psychologist with a Masters degree in Metaphysical Sciences. She has spent her life substantially as a scholar of ancient philosophies, world religions and metaphysical practices.  Throughout the seventies and eighties she studied various Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhisms under several gurus and spiritual teachers.

Joseph S. Maresca Ph.D., CPA, CISA, MBA: His significant writings include over 10 copyrights in the name of the author (Joseph S. Maresca) and a patent in the earthquake sciences. He holds membership in the prestigious Delta Mu Delta National Honor Society and Sigma Beta Delta International Honor Society.  In addition, he blogs and reviews many books for Basil & Spice. Visit the Joseph S. Maresca Writer’s Page.

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