The Dharma of Dragons and Daemons: Buddhist Themes in Modern Fantasy

The Dharma of Dragons and Daemons: Buddhist Themes in Modern Fantasy
David R. Loy and Linda Goodhew
Wisdom Publications
ISBN: 0-86171-476-8
Non-Fiction, Religion, Buddhism
Reviewed by Dr. Tami Brady

The Dharma of Dragons and Daemons: Buddhist Themes in Modern Fantasy is a compilation of research examining the presence of Buddhist themes in popular books and movies. Traditionally, the main method of presenting mythology and legend was the oral tradition. Whether these stories were completely true, partially true, or completely fiction was not important to the purpose of the story as the aim of these tales was to reinforce particular culture specific themes, dichotomies, or expected behaviours.
Popular movies and books are the modern equivalent to oral story telling, Even if these stories are completely fiction, the contents of these works include mythological aspects, culture specific themes, dichotomies, or expected behaviours. Though many popular works largely contain traditional Christian themes such good versus evil and the end justifies the means, other traditional cultural themes are also sometimes present. Thus, with the intention of identifying traditional Buddhist themes, the authors have explored several popular works including the Lord of the Rings, Momo, and the Earthsea series.
The Dharma of Dragons and Daemons: Buddhist Themes in Modern Fantasy is a fascinating read. The studies contained in this book are complete, well researched, and explained in an easy to read fashion. Thus, this book will be equally enjoyed by anyone interested in popular culture, the student of Buddhism, or the researcher looking for information on religion themes in popular works.