- Paperback: 272 pages
- Publisher: University of Oklahoma Press; New edition edition (1 Sep 1990)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0806122951
- ISBN-13: 978-0806122953
- Product Dimensions: 20.9 x 13.9 x 1.9 cm
- Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 1,277,797 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Description
Synopsis
Translations of ancient Aztec documents reveal their thoughts on the origin of the universe, the nature of God, and the significance of art.
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First Sentence
THE religious world view of the Nahuas at the beginning of the sixteenth century is known today because of the work of such investigators as Eduard Seler, Alfonso Caso, Angel Maria Garibay K., and Justino Fernandez. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
THE religious world view of the Nahuas at the beginning of the sixteenth century is known today because of the work of such investigators as Eduard Seler, Alfonso Caso, Angel Maria Garibay K., and Justino Fernandez. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book examines whether such a thing as philosophy existed amongst the Aztecs. Philosophy it is argued, must be distinguished from mere mythology and beliefs. To qualify as philosophical thinking the author argues that Aztec thought needed to show evidence of being able to question the myths and beliefs of its own society. The author looks at evidence for this in a group of people amongst the Aztecs called the tlamatinime (Aztec wise men.)
It is revealed that these wise men were serious in trying to discover whether such a thing as truth could exist in a transitory world. A world where everything passes away including human life. They ask whether it is possible for man to contain truth which they see as eternal when a human life is not. The tlamatine write verses such as:
Although it be jade, it will be broken,
Although it be gold, it is crushed.
There is also a very good chapter on the Aztec attitude towards their own history and their art. Aztec attitudes to the Toltecs are also looked at and the indebtedness they felt for the cultural legacy the Toltecs had left behind.
I really enjoyed reading this book. An invaluable read for anyone interested in religious studies, philosophy, history and pre-Columbian culture.
It is revealed that these wise men were serious in trying to discover whether such a thing as truth could exist in a transitory world. A world where everything passes away including human life. They ask whether it is possible for man to contain truth which they see as eternal when a human life is not. The tlamatine write verses such as:
Although it be jade, it will be broken,
Although it be gold, it is crushed.
There is also a very good chapter on the Aztec attitude towards their own history and their art. Aztec attitudes to the Toltecs are also looked at and the indebtedness they felt for the cultural legacy the Toltecs had left behind.
I really enjoyed reading this book. An invaluable read for anyone interested in religious studies, philosophy, history and pre-Columbian culture.
1 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Whoever wrote this book wasted their time.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
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13 reviews
25 of 29 people found the following review helpful
Aztec Thought and Culture
6 May 2002
Format:Paperback
I first bought this book thirty years ago. I now use it as a text book for my Mexican American Culture and Society Class and for my Pre Hispanic life and Religion Class. This book is basic in understanding the depth of philosophical and religious thought of the ancient Mexican. Portilla is is primarily instruemental in all of his writings in intoducing the reader to the ancient civilizations of this hemisfaire....that was in exsisitance at the same time of the old world....and which we have been so ignorant of for too long.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
A great book!
18 Feb 2001
Format:Paperback
I have read quite a few books on the Aztecs and this is one of my favorites. It provides great insight into the Aztecs thought, culture and language. I am also reading one of the authors other books, titled "Fifteen poets of the Aztec world" which I also recommend. These books are great for anyone who is interested in the Aztecs.
21 of 26 people found the following review helpful
Excellent window to the spiritual culture of the Mexicas
6 Oct 1999
Format:Paperback
Just like India's Upanishadic teaching tradition unfolded the Knowledge of the true identity of the individual, the universe and God, the Náhuatl Tlamatinime (spiritual teachers) were the "phylosphers", as Sahagun called them, who, abiding in Spiritual wisdom, were able to guide their students to discover the nature of their True Self. Don Miguel Leoón-Portilla is the ideal commentator because, after introducing his readers to the Tlamatinime's recorded words, showing a deep personal insight of the Náhuatl language, he accurately and methodically expounds, word by word and verse by verse, in the content of their spiritual wisdom. My opinion is that he could be considered the Adi Shankaracharya (the Commentary Master of the Tradional Vedanta texts of India) of the Americas.
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