Important Bird Areas in India: Priority Sites for Conservation

Book Description

This book is the result of five years' exhaustive work by the BNHS. The data, which form the core of the book, have been collected by more than 1,000 people: many hundreds of professiona and amateur ornithologists, birdwatchers, conservationists, forest officials, and others interested in
birds.

It is the most detailed publication ever produced on the subject of birds or conservation and it uncovers, analyzes and assesses all of the evidence, presenting it together with all the sources. The study has given a detailed analysis of sites that have been identified for bird conservation in India
on the basis of globally accepted criteria. Each bird area is introduced with maps, analysis, avifauna section with tables of threatened species present, and a brief description of threatened birds, which have important habitats in the relevant states.

The study shows that out of 465 important birds in India, 191 wildlife sanctuaries have been idenfitied as IBAs, 52 are national parks, 23 are tiger reserves, while 198 are not officially protected.

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Environmental Dimensions of Islam
Mawil Izzi Dien
Manufacturer: Lutterworth Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Islam | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Conservation | Environment | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

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Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

Islamic | World | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0718829603

Book Description

Islamic attitudes are of increasing concern to the Western world and environmental issues claim much attention as well. Few non-Muslims realize, however, that there is a distinctive Islamic contribution to the debate on the environment which Dr. Dien provides here. His book views the topic from historical, theological, philosophical, legal and ethical perspectives, examining such aspects as the Koranic doctrine of Creation, human responsibility and the actions of governments. His conclusions will challenge those of all faiths, and none, to reconsider their attitudes towards the natural world and its conservation.

Man and Nature: The Spiritual Crisis in Modern Man

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Higher to the Lower - Modern Man's Problems
Ecology, Modern Man, and Spiritual Crisis.
Profound and insightful

Man and Nature: The Spiritual Crisis in Modern Man
Seyyed Hossein Nasr
Manufacturer: Kazi Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Religious | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

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Comparative Religion | Religious Studies | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Cosmology | Astronomy | Science | Subjects | Books

Cosmology | Physics | Science | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1871031656

Book Description

This work from one of the world's leading Islamic thinkers is a spiritual tour de force which explores the relationship between the human being and nature as found in many religious traditions, particularly its Sufi dimension. The author stresses the importance of a greater awareness of the origins of both the human being and nature as a means of righting the imbalance that exists in our deepest selves and in our environment.

Customer Reviews:

Higher to the Lower - Modern Man's Problems.......2006-11-30

Seyyed Hossein Nasr, noted Islamic scholar and philosopher, has produced an outstanding text on modern man's spiritual crises. Now, I may disagree on some points here and there, and as a Christian, I think Islam has some theological problems; but, with that said and out of the way, Nasr's book gets past any polemics with Christians and Jews, and while differences persists, shows that in a modern scientific and postmodern world, that secular society is more concerned with taking the higher forms of life and insists on devaluing humakind to the lower forms of life 9nature). Man becomes nothing but an animal, with no direction. He (she) has lost what they were truly meant to be. Nasr forcefully argues his position, drawing on mostly Sufi Islamic teachings(but other traditions as well) to not only show that this modern world has the priority backwards, but there are answers to fix the problem. There are a lot Christains and other devoute people of faith can agree with and find insightful in this book.

Ecology, Modern Man, and Spiritual Crisis........2002-08-24

In this short book, Seyyed Hossein Nasr takes a look at the relationship between man and nature and the spiritual crisis that inflicts modern man in his "war against nature". In examining ecological crisis, war, and industrial failure, Nasr argues that modern science has lost touch with the sacred in its applications. Rather than being rooted in the unified outlook of traditional man along with his religious traditions, modern man sees the world through the eyes of a crass materialism, scientism, and positivism. It is this lack of worldview which Nasr believes is the spiritual crisis behind the troubled relationship between man and nature. Nasr begins by examining this problem and explaining how a base scientism has attempted to uproot the understanding of traditional man. In making this comparison, Nasr looks at the alternative philosophies of science, beginning with the positivists and comparing them to the viewpoints of various religious philosophers on the question of science. Here it is necessary to understand the limitations of science, particularly as they apply to its application, which is at the root of the ecological crisis in modern man. Next, Nasr turns to the historical roots of science in Greek and Christian philosophy and theology. Nasr argues that much of the problem can be found in the neglect to emphasize these historical roots rather than simply glorify modern science. By placing science within its historical framework, it is possible to see exactly how the crisis has come about. Nasr argues that in particular, the breakdown of the Christian tradition and the secularization of science is at fault. Next, Nasr turns to the metaphysical principles that underlie man's understanding of nature. In particular, Nasr examines those principles as expounded in the traditions of the world's great religions: Taoism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam, particularly with reference to Sufism. Finally, Nasr seeks to explain how the retrieval of this traditional understanding of nature can be applied to the modern situation and crisis. The book concludes with a discussion of what Nasr believes to be the errors of such modern theories and notions as that of evolution. All in all, this book is an interesting discussion of the shifting relationship between man and nature, and it offers hope for the alleviation of spiritual crisis by returning to the traditions within the world's religions.

Profound and insightful.......2000-04-08

Seyyed Nasr, takes the reader through history and causes of the descralization of nature in the west and the resultant ecological crisis we face today. He shows how the west via the divorce of science from spirit has wrecked havoc on our planet. And also how the Christian faith helped accelerate this process when it removed elements of its metaphysical doctrines that kept nature as a part of the divine. In addition he elucidates how some of the philosophical schools of thought help widen the schism between man, nature and the divine. He closes with a chapter what can be done to correct the problem via the resacralization of nature as a reflection of the Creator.

Seyyed Nasr main thrust in correcting Christianity's loss of sapiential wisdom or gnosis is to turn to the eastern traditions like Tantra or Taoist alchemy. However considering the animosity that mainstream churches have towards the other spiritual traditions this is not likely to occur for a number of reasons.
1) The Christians who've adopted other methods are considered marginal at best, heretics at worst. Just try promoting yoga at your local highschool and see what happens. A current example would be Thomas Merton. He came closet to what Seyyed Nasr is asking. Still to many Christians he is considered an apostate.
2) Christianity in many instances has been reduced to down to after life fire insurance policy and God being a banker and greengrocer to the elect. Just get 'saved' and thats it.
3) Christian intellectual tradition is so bad nowadays as to be non-existent. So bad it took a devout Moslem to write about what should have been obvious to any Christian leader with a functioning brain.
4)To recreate a gnosis within Christianity it would take man whose a "finished student" of say Tantra and had the intellectual capacity and church authority to integrate these teachings in a seemless manner. Plus establish a living transimission. No small task.

What I even more amazing is that this book was first written in 1967 and is better than most of the recent writings on this problem including: Ken Wilbers Sense and Soul and Robert Ornstein's 'The AxeMakers Gift".

Overall it is a very informative and a easy read that one can keep comming back to and learning something new.

If you like E.F. Schumacher, Huston Smith, Gregory Bateson, Jacob Needleman, you will enjoy this book. I would also include anyone who is concerned about what is happening in the world via the loss of faith, runaway technology and destruction of the planet we live upon.

BTW the references section is a excellent starting point for further research.

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Islam and Ecology: A Bestowed Trust (Religions of the World and Ecology)
Kaveh L. Afrasiabi , Adnan Z. Amin , Nawal H. Ammar , Saadia Khawar Khan Chishti , L. Clarke , Mawil Izzi Dien , Hashim Ismail Dockrat , Yasin Dutton , Nathan C. Funk , Safei-Eldin A. Hamed , S. Nomanul Haq , Joseph G. Jabbra , Nancy W. Jabbra , Tazim R. Kassam , and Fazlun M. Khalid
Manufacturer: Harvard Center for the Study of World Religions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Islam | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Theology | Islam | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Conservation | Environment | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
General | Conservation | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
General | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books
General | Ecology | Biological Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
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Judaism and Ecology: Created World and Revealed Word (Religions of the World and Ecology)

Christianity and Ecology: Seeking the Well-Being of Earth and Humans (Religions of the World and Ecology)

Hinduism and Ecology: The Intersection of Earth, Sky, and Water (Religions of the World and Ecology)

Daoism and Ecology: Ways within a Cosmic Landscape (Religions of the World and Ecology)

Buddhism and Ecology: The Interconnection of Dharma and Deeds (Religions of the World and Ecology)

ASIN: 0945454406

Book Description

Islam is the religion of over one billion people and is practiced in virtually every country on earth. The articulation of an Islamic environmental ethic in contemporary terms is all the more urgent because Western-style conservation efforts do not fit all cultural and philosophical traditions. This volume outlines the Islamic view of the cosmic order and reviews the ways an Islamic world view can be interpreted, reassessed, and applied to such environmental problems as pollution and water scarcity. Sections on social justice and on issues of sustainability and development look at the history and roots of the current environmental crisis; at the broader context of women's rights of equal access to both natural and social resources; and at the interconnectedness of environmental protection and the alleviation of human poverty.

Islam and Ecology (World Religions and Ecology Series)

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Islam and Ecology (World Religions and Ecology Series)
Fazlun Khalid
Manufacturer: Cassell
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Islam | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0304323772

Animal Rights and Ecology in Islam (The Guidance of the Sirah Series, Volume 3)

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Animal Rights and Ecology in Islam (The Guidance of the Sirah Series, Volume 3)
Assad N. Busool
Manufacturer: Al Huda
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1886829020

Figs, Dates, Laurel, and Myrrh: Plants of the Bible and the Quran

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Figs, Dates, Laurel, and Myrrh: Plants of the Bible and the Quran
Lytton Musselman
Manufacturer: Timber Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | History & Criticism | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Themes | History & Criticism | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Essays | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

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General | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Quran | Bible & Other Sacred Texts | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Bible & Other Sacred Texts | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Quran | Islam | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0881928550

Book Description

This book celebrates the plants of the Old Testament and New Testament, including the Apocrypha, and of the Quran. From acacia, the wood of the tabernacle, to wormwood, whose bitter leaves cured intestinal worms, 81 fascinating chapters—covering every plant that has a true botanical counterpart—tell the stories of the fruits and grains, grasses and trees, flowers and fragrances of ancient lore. The descriptions include the plants' botanical characteristics, habitat, uses, and literary context. With evocative quotations and revelatory interpretations, this information is all the more critical today as the traditional agrarian societies that knew the plants intimately become urbanized.

The unusually broad geographic range of this volume extends beyond Israel to encompass the Holy Land's biblical neighbors from southern Turkey to central Sudan and from Cyprus to the Iraq border.

Richly illustrated with extensive color photography and with a foreword by the incomparable Garrison Keillor, this delightful ecumenical botany offers the welcome tonic of a deep look into an enduring, shared natural heritage.

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A masterpiece of original scholarship.

Islam and Society in Turkey
TEST, David Shankland
Manufacturer: The Eothen Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

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Conservation | Environment | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

General | Conservation | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0906719267

Book Description

The place of Islam in Turkish secular democracy has long been seen as a crucial issue, both academically, and for Turkey's future relationship with Europe. The author argues that there is a fine balance between diverse groups that have accepted Atatrk's secularism (like the Alevis, the democratic left, consumer-orientated youth and pious, but moderate, believers) and those who think that the secular state has not gone far enough (like the former Welfare Party and the followers of Said-I Nursi). It is shown that the way Turkey is incorporated into the European Union and other international institutions will profoundly influence this crucially important conflict within Turkey. An original interpretation based on extensive field research in Turkey, with many new and valuable insights. Important for all students of Turkey, as well as for social anthropologists.

Customer Reviews:

A masterpiece of original scholarship........2000-07-05

The modern nation of Turkey was set up as a secular state. The role and presence of Islam within a Turkish secular democracy is a critical consideration with respect to Turkey's relationship with Europe. In Islam And Society In Turkey, social anthropologist David Shankland argues persuasively that there is a fine balance between the diverse groups that accepted Ataturk's secularism) and those who think that the state has not gone farm enough. Shankland shows that the way Turkey is incorporated into European and international institutions has a profound influence on the way that Turkey's internal ideological, church/state conflicts have developed. Highly recommended reading for students of Turkish history and culture, international relations, and church/state political science, Islam And Society In Turkey is a masterpiece of original scholarship, providing key insights into the role of Islam in modern Turkish society and politics.

The Shrine and Cult of Mu'in Al-din Chishti of Ajmer (Oxford University South Asian Studies)

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The Shrine and Cult of Mu'in Al-din Chishti of Ajmer (Oxford University South Asian Studies)
P. M. Currie
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Mysticism | Other Practices | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Birdwatching | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0195631447

Book Description

One of the most revered mystics of the Indian subcontinent was the fourteenth-century Shaykh Mu'in al-Din Chishti, whose tomb in Rajasthan is a center of pilgrimage to the present day. This study defines the role of the Sufi mystics in Islam, and places Mu'in al-Din in a historical context,
attempting to disentangle the Mu'in of history from the legendary creation of later hagiographical chronicles. The author then considers why the legend arose at all, and took the form that it assumed. Later chapters describe the history of the shrine, and the customs and hierarchy of attendants
that have grown up around it in the last 500 years.

Sustainable Diplomacy: Ecology, Religion and Ethics in Muslim-Christian Relations (Culture and Religion in International Relations)

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Sustainable Diplomacy: Ecology, Religion and Ethics in Muslim-Christian Relations (Culture and Religion in International Relations)
David Joseph Wellman
Manufacturer: Palgrave Macmillan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Ethics | Religious Studies | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Psychology | Religious Studies | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

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Book Description

Drawing on the disciplines of Islamic and Christian Ethics, International Affairs, Environmental Science, History and Anthropology, Sustainable Diplomacy: Ecology, Religion and Ethics in Muslim-Christian Relations is a highly constructive work. Set in the context of modern Moroccan-Spanish relations, this text is a direct critique of realism as it is practiced in modern diplomacy. Proposing a new eco-centric approach to relations between nation-states and bioregions, Wellman presents the case for Ecological Realism, an undergirding philosophy for conducting a diplomacy that values the role of popular religions, ecological histories, and the consumption and waste patterns of national populations. Sustainable Diplomacy is thus a means of building relations not only between elites but also between people on the ground, as they together face the real possibility of global ecological destruction.

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The Coccolithophoridae of the Atlantic Ocean
Andrew McIntyre
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Plants | Biological Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
General | Botany | Biological Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0006BTGFS

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Modern Coccolithophoridae of the Atlantic Ocean;: Placoliths and Cyrtoliths
Andrew McIntyre
Manufacturer: Pergamon Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0007IWFF8

Book Description

Open Road's Turkey Guide shows readers the beauty and mystery of Turkey, from the bazaars and mosques of Istanbul to the ruins of the ancient Greeks and Anatolians, to some of the best beaches along the Aegean coast. Istanbul is thoroughly examined, and advenurous travelers will discover how to bicycle from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean, where to unearth the high antiquity of the Hittites and the grandest Hellenistic ruins in the world, and where to go rafting, caving, and cruising.But travelers will also get the inside scoop on the historic citiy of Troy, the breathtaking ruins at Ephesus, the ancient monastic labyrinths of Cappadoccia, the paradise of Amazon Island, and the living flames of the Chimeara. Turkey Guide goes into great detail about the history and culture of each destination covered, with plenty of stories and anecdotes along the way to help readers experience the real Turkey. Special tips on how to bargain for a Turkish kilim and extensive travel planning advice are features.

Customer Reviews:

Peck and Sachet know Turkey!.......2006-05-12

This is the best coverage of Turkey that I've seen. I've been there many times, and advise this series of books for my friends. The authors are definitely not turkeys.

The best part of the series is the in-depth attention to detail for cultural aspects of the region and the changing face of the middle east. I fear that my first trip would have gone very poorly if I didn't have their advice. Turkey is an odd country, and the authors do a very nice job of simplifying the culture to an extent where you can understand the motivation of the residents with regard to the history and religious influence of the region.

We felt like Adam and Manja personally planned our trip!.......2001-05-16

What a pleasant book! When getting ready for our trip, we asked friends who had been there what to expect. They quickly recommended this book, and my wife and I (and our fellow two travellers) quickly came to see why. While it failed to include great maps and color pictures (our only fault with it), it did a fantastic job of telling the 'stories behind the scenes' -- we all had different travel guides open, but all of the fun stuff always came from this one. So, either they made all of those fun facts up, or they really know their stuff, and spent a lot of time speaking with locals to get up to speed (i'm guessing #2 is the truth!)

Finally, we loved the personality communicated by the author(s). Is delivered in a slightly sarcastic/humourous tone -- right up our alley!

Again -- you'll love this book -- a great investment for any traveller.

Better than any other available Turkey travel guide.......2000-08-08

Great details, good insight, clear organization! Authors Peck & Sachet understand what travelers need to know to make the most of their trip through Turkey.

Very informative without being BORING!.......1999-12-23

I'm looking to travel, so I've been looking for books to guide my way. To tell you the truth, most of them put me to sleep and turned me off to where I wanted to go to begin with. This guide was different. It was very insightful and informative regarding where I should go and what I should do without restricting my "travellers creativity". I'm taking it with me to Turkey. That should tell you enough.

VERY POOR!.......1999-07-21

Unfortunately the content is very superficial and has been written by someone who is not familiar with the Turkish culture.

Customer Reviews:

new love, old problems... the finale........2006-04-17

Momo has done the unexpected, she has chosen Toji over Kiley. Now Kiley does the unexpected by refusing to give her up. He grabs her arm and takes her away from Toji, where Momo tells him once and for all that it is over. After things settle down Toji suggests that they go on a trip to reward themselves to which Momo has mixed feelings. She knows that Toji will want to make love to her, but with her turbulent attitude towards Kiley looming over her she feels unable to reciprocate his feelings.

Kiley lapses into a serious depression. The only person who stays by his side during this time is Sae, who has gotten over the fact that her "pregnancy" was all in her mind. While Kiley is sinking further Sae thinks it's high time that Momo knew about the fact that he followed her to Shiranami the day of the typhoon, when she thought he ditched her. This further confuses Momo who cries on Misao's shoulder about the whole thing. Momo realizes she's late for her meeting with Toji so she goes to meet him and heads to their destination. Kiley also decides to take a trip, to Shiranami, where he tries to bury his feelings for Momo and nearly drowns in the process... but at the last moment there is a tough decision that saves his life and his heart...and ends the series on a very high note.

Joy...utter joy the ending of this series was. I am so happy over the outcome I could jump up and down. Momo finally knows who and what she wants and has grabbed it with both eyes opened. I do feel bad for the loser, who was a nice guy...but I am overjoyed at her choice. And the method in which she found her way back to him was so splendid to read. I admit, I'm saddened that this is the end, but I'm happy at the ending, it wound up just as I wanted it, so I have nothing to complain about.

This was a wonderful series. Do try it. You won't regret it.

Happy, happy, happy.......2005-01-17

This is the last Peach Girl book ever, :(. But we all knew it had to end sometime, right? This was a very emotional book that ended beautifully. It is a very easy read that is perfect for a lazy evening in a comfy chair. I would definitely recommend it to anyone that loves romance.

And so it comes to an end..........2004-11-15

I've been reading Peach girl for a couple years, ever since I picked up one of the volumes in borders and was impressed by the gorgeous artwork. After six years, the last volume has finally arrived.

What I like about this story is that it's sweet, honest, at times rather funny and completely without that anime demon-hunter alternate identity stuff that so many other mangas are loaded with. It is basically the story of a young girl named Momo (Peach in Japanese) who is on the swim team, tans very easily and is caught in a sort of love triangle with two very realistic, very sweet and honest boys who care deeply about her.

After I finished volume 9, I thought I had it all figured out. I was sure that Momo would end up with Toji, Sae would end up with Ryo and Kiley would end up with Misao. I was so sure of this that I picked up the last book confident with this ending. But Miwa Ueda still has some surprises left for us, as this volume demonstrates. I was impressed with the fast moving story, the well-drawn motivations of the characters and the less than candy-coated "happy ending".

In her interview at the end of the book, she talks briefly about what her next manga will be about. She mentions tackling a bad "more Sae-like" main character. I hope this will be translated as well, because I look forward to reading it.

I was sorry to see the Peach Girl books end, but it was nice to have some closure.

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