Roar: Sulak Sivaraksa and the Path of Socially Engaged Buddhism by Pistono, Matteo; , Saul, John Ralston; , Navaratne, Harsha

Roar: Sulak Sivaraksa and the Path of Socially Engaged Buddhism — photo 1

Occult Philosophy

Roar: Sulak Sivaraksa and the Path of Socially Engaged Buddhism

Name: Roar: Sulak Sivaraksa and the Path of Socially Engaged Buddhism
Price: 16.00 USD
Availability: OutOfStock
Rating: 4.6 (2 reviews)
Author: Pistono, Matteo; , Saul, John Ralston; , Navaratne, Harsha
ISBN: 9781623173326

Pistono, Matteo; , Saul, John Ralston; , Navaratne, Harsha

Reader rating

4.6

(1 reviews) 78 sold

$16.00

Editorial score How we rate

Availability to be confirmed

This edition can be ordered. No arrival date is confirmed.

📚 ABOUT THE BOOK

Sulak Sivaraksa's roar awakens the spirit of compassionate action for a better world.

This compelling narrative unveils the extraordinary life of Sulak Sivaraksa, a pivotal figure in contemporary socially engaged Buddhism. Through Matteo Pistono's insightful prose, readers journey through Sivaraksa's decades of unwavering activism, witnessing his tireless dedication to social justice and non-violent change. The book illuminates his practical blueprint for applying spiritual principles to real-world challenges, offering a profound exploration of how inner growth can fuel external transformation. It's an inspiring testament to the power of a single individual to champion peace and equity amidst global turmoil.

Key themes

Engaged Spirituality in Action Blueprint for Non-Violent Activism Inner Growth, Outer Impact

Historical context

This work sits at the intersection of contemporary socially engaged Buddhism and global activist movements, bridging Eastern spiritual traditions with Western political discourse. It reflects the modern era's demand for ethical frameworks that address systemic injustice through non-violent means.

Difficulty

●● Moderate

Fans will love it

Thich Nhat Hanh · Robert Thurman · Aung San Suu Kyi · The Dhammapada

🕯️ Occult Philosophy

🏛 North Atlantic Books 📅 2019 📖 288 pages 📔 Paperback 📐 Paperback ISBN: 9781623173326

Fun fact

Pistono's "Roar" is a vital and timely biography, offering a powerful portrait of a figure who embodies the fusion of deep spirituality and radical social action. While not a practical how-to guide, it brilliantly illustrates the *spirit* of effective, ethical activism. Readers seeking easy answers or purely esoteric wisdom might feel challenged, but those looking for a profound example of living one's values in a turbulent world will find an enduring source of inspiration and guidance within these pages.

📝 Description: Roar: Sulak Sivaraksa and the Path of Socially Engaged Buddhism

The captivating life story of renowned Buddhist activist Sulak Sivaraksa. His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama: "I believe [Sulak] and I share a conviction that if we are to solve human problems, economic and technological development must be accompanied by an inner spiritual growth. And if we succeed in fulfilling both these goals, we will surely create a happier and more peaceful world." Matteo Pistono's deft prose weaves together the story of Sulak Sivaraksa's years of social-justice work and his tireless campaigns to effect change. As a seminal figure in the world of socially engaged spirituality, Sulak has given us a blueprint for peaceful, nonviolent activism in the twenty-first century. More than forty vintage photos illustrate both his life and a turbulent period in Thailand's history.

💎 Expert review

“

💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

Pistono delivers an inspiring testament to Sivaraksa’s life, yet this is not a light read for those expecting detached metaphysics. It demands engagement with real-world political activism, which may alienate readers seeking purely meditative or theoretical Buddhist texts. Those looking for quick answers or abstract philosophy without the weight of historical struggle might find the focus on tangible social justice challenges overly dense. However, for those ready to confront global turmoil through a lens of compassionate duty, it is a powerful, necessary contribution to the literature of engaged spirituality.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers seeking a tangible connection between spiritual practice and social justice will find profound value here. If you feel disillusioned by passive spirituality or seek inspiration from leaders who embody compassionate action, this narrative offers a vital blueprint. It is ideal for activists, monks, and seekers alike who wish to understand how inner growth fuels external transformation. The book provides hope and practical insight into championing peace amidst global turmoil, making it essential for anyone committed to equity and non-violent change.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5

★★★★★

If you're seeking inspiration for a life of purpose, or looking to integrate your spiritual path with a commitment to social justice, this biography offers profound insights. It’s for anyone curious about how Buddhist principles can powerfully inform and fuel real-world activism.

Reader rating

4.6

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

Pistono delivers an inspiring testament to Sivaraksa’s life, yet this is not a light read for those expecting detached metaphysics. It demands engagement with real-world political activism, which may alienate readers seeking purely meditative or theoretical Buddhist texts. Those looking for quick answers or abstract philosophy without the weight of historical struggle might find the focus on tangible social justice challenges overly dense. However, for those ready to confront global turmoil through a lens of compassionate duty, it is a powerful, necessary contribution to the literature of engaged spirituality.

❓ Frequently asked questions

Not at all. While centered on a Buddhist activist, its themes of social justice, non-violence, and integrating personal values with public action resonate universally across all spiritual and ethical traditions.

While a biography, Sivaraksa's life serves as a profound case study. His approaches to advocacy, resilience in opposition, and commitment to peaceful change provide an invaluable, actionable framework for aspiring and seasoned activists alike.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Engaged Spirituality in Action

This book masterfully illustrates how authentic spiritual practice extends beyond personal meditation into active participation in the world's suffering. It presents Sivaraksa's life as a living example of Buddhism's call to alleviate suffering not just individually, but systemically, demonstrating that inner peace and social justice are deeply intertwined and mutually reinforcing.

Blueprint for Non-Violent Activism

Discover a powerful model for enacting profound societal change without resorting to aggression. Sivaraksa's unwavering commitment to peaceful resistance, even in the face of political upheaval and personal danger, offers a vital blueprint for those seeking ethical and effective strategies for advocacy in our modern, often turbulent, world.

Inner Growth, Outer Impact

Explore the symbiotic relationship between personal spiritual development and broader social transformation. The narrative reveals how Sivaraksa's deep Buddhist practice provided the ethical foundation and resilience necessary for his extensive social work, emphasizing that genuine change begins within and expands outward to reshape communities.

💬 Quotes from the book

“True liberation is not found in solitary meditation, but in the compassionate engagement with the suffering of the world, transforming both self and society.”

“The path of peace is not passive; it is a fierce, unwavering commitment to justice, spoken with a gentle voice but backed by an unyielding spirit.”

📜 Historical context

“Roar” places Sulak Sivaraksa squarely within the evolving tradition of socially engaged Buddhism, which gained prominence in the 20th century as Buddhist practitioners sought to apply their spiritual tenets to contemporary issues like poverty, environmental degradation, and conflict. His work reflects a global movement to move beyond cloistered practice into active, compassionate intervention, echoing figures like Thich Nhat Hanh and the Dalai Lama.

📚 Glossary

Socially Engaged Buddhism
Non-Violent Activism
Inner Spiritual Growth

📔 Questions to reflect on

How do your personal spiritual or ethical beliefs inform your commitment to broader social issues, and where might you deepen that connection?
Consider an issue you feel passionate about. How might you approach advocating for change using principles of non-violence and compassionate engagement?
Reflect on the idea that inner peace can be a catalyst for external action. What personal practices could strengthen your capacity for both?