MACMILLAN The Dunhuang Grottoes and Global Education: Philosophical, Spiritual, Scientific, and Aesthetic Insights (Spirituality, Religion, and Education)

This book analyzes the murals and texts of the Dunhuang Grottoes, one of the most famous sites of cultural heritage on the Silk Road in Northwest China, from an educational perspective. The Dunhuang Grottoes are well-known in the world for their stunning beauty and magnificence, but the teaching of Dunhuang advocates a philosophical perspective that cosmos, nature, and humanity are an interconnected whole, and that all elements function interactively according to universal and relational principles of continuity, cause-and-effect, spiritual connection, and enlightenment.  Xu Di and volume contributors highlight the moral education and ethics found throughout the Dunhuang with numerous stories of the personal journeys and growth of the Buddha and bodhisattvas, discussing and analyzing these teachings, and their possible implications for modern education systems throughout China and the world today. Review “Xu Di has assembled a world-class cadre of Chinese and American scholars of educational philosophy and practice to provide the academy with the “missing piece” in Dunhuang studies. Viewing the cultural phenomenon of Dunhuang through the neglected lens of education taken in the broadest sense of teaching and learning as human growth and refinement, this volume provides a focused case study on how reflection on material culture has been activated over the centuries to elevate and inspire the human experience.” (Roger T. Ames, Humanities Chair Professor, Peking University, China)  “How valuable to have a group of scholars in educational philosophy and related areas provide commentary and discussion on the texts and art work from the fabled Dun Huang caves in Northwest China. This pioneering volume draws out their striking implications for moral and aesthetic education, science education, music, and environmental education. It is truly a treasure trove of new thinking from an ancient source! ” (Ruth Hayhoe, Professor, University of Toronto, Canada, and President Emerita, Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong) “Now for the first time, we have a systematic exploration of the educational meaning and significance of Dunhuang, by an international team of specialists led by well-known scholar Xu Di, focusing on different dimensions of Dunhuang’s rich educational heritage, its implications for a possible East-West synthesis, and for our contemporary world. A rich contribution, not to be missed.” (Anthony R. Welch, Professor of Education, University of Sydney, Australia) “An incomparable book full of scholarly and spiritual insights that will both excite and illuminate readers. This book reconnects the past, the present and the future. This revealing message from the treasures of the Dunhuang Grottos is a must read.” (Ruyu Hung, Distinguished Professor, Department of Education, National Chiayi University, Taiwan) “As Di explains, Dunhuang is an ancient Buddhist spiritual centre, ‘an oasis in the Gobi desert along the historic Silk Road,’ located in northeast China that has treasures of frescoes, scriptures, and sculptures in its grottoes constructed between the Northern Liang and  the Yuan dynasties. This is an account of the history of Dunhuang grottoes and its significance for global education. The book itself is a real treasure.” (Michael A. Peters, Professor of Education, Beijing Normal University, China) From the Back Cover This book analyzes the murals and texts of the Dunhuang Grottoes, one of the most famous sites of cultural heritage on the Silk Road in Northwest China, from an educational perspective. The Dunhuang Grottoes are well-known in the world for their stunning beauty and magnificence, but the teaching of Dunhuang advocates a philosophical perspective that cosmos, nature, and humanity are an interconnected whole, and that all elements function interactively according to universal and relational principles of continuity, cause-and-effect, spiritual connection, a