FEATURING NINE TRADITIONAL STORIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

At a challenging time, “Imagination,” which is Parabola magazine’s first Story Issue, shines a light on an overlooked source of hope and change.  Nine traditional stories from nine lands, as well as essays from Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Traditionalist, and scientific perspectives, illuminate the myriad ways imagination acts as the bridge between the spiritual and the physical, death and life, the unseen and the seen.

Among the many riches in this gorgeously illustrated issue are:

*”The Heart Eater,” a traditional story from the Mende tribe in Sierra Leone, translated and retold for Parabola by Ishmael Beah, the bestselling author of A Long Time Gone, the harrowing memoir of his time as a child soldier.  This cherished story from Beah’s childhood illuminates how—and stands as proof that—the heart can survive war and loss and violence, can transcend the greatest sufferings.  
    
*”Finding the Center, Entering the Land,” an essay by Rabbi Geoffrey Dennis, author of The Encyclopedia of Jewish Myth, Magic, about the labyrinths of Jewish imagination and finding our true home.

“Monkey King: Journey to the West,” a lively excerpt from the famous Chinese epic, retold by acclaimed author and storyteller Diane Wolkstein.  On the eve of the 50th anniversary of the Tibetan Uprising, amid news stories about the repressive Chinese government, this tale reminds readers of the loving, playful, fearless spirit of the Chinese people. 

The “Imagination” issue also offers book reviews and commentary, and a splendid gallery of traditional and popular art rendered in full, vibrant color.

See more, or order this issue on our web site, www.parabola.org
 

There is a new exciting feature on the PARABOLA web site! We have now added PARABOLA Editor Blogs. Two of our editors, Tracy Cochran and Bob Doto, have already begun blogging... and more will join them.

We hope that these blogs will be more than just our editors expounding on their innermost thoughts (though that would be fascinating). We hope they will be a place for everyone in the PARABOLA community (read: YOU) can come to reflect and discuss. Please join Bob and Tracy in the exploration of PARABOLA and the search for meaning.

See you there!

When PARABOLA magazine decided to devote its Summer 2008 issue to God, its editors realized that this vitally important theme deserved a special approach. So after nearly 35 years of appearing in black and white, PARABOLA will celebrate its God issue by moving permanently to full color as it presents an impressive array of essays, poetry, and reviews on God, accompanied in full color by some of the world's most meaningful art.

Highlights from the God issue include:

*Seven new poems from Pultizer Prize-winning poet Mary Oliver
*Bestselling author Rabbi David Cooper on the Kabbalah's revelations about God
*Leading historian of religion Huston Smith on the "God-War"
*Christopher Bamford on the joyous assent of Abraham to God and His world
*Legendary psychologist Jean Houston on Diane Wolkstein: A Storyteller's Story

This exciting issue also presents the memorable traditional stories that are a hallmark of PARABOLA, as well as inspiring writings from, to name a few additional contributors, Patrick Laude, Richard Smoley, Simone Weil, Meister Eckhart, and the Venerable Narada Mahathera…all now illuminated, as never before, in glorious full color. Please visit the Parabola web site for more information or to order.

Beginning with Volume 33, Number 2, PARABOLA will be appearing in gorgeous full color!

The inspiring discussion of humanity’s great themes that has always distinguished PARABOLA will be lavishly illustrated in every color of the rainbow. Beginning with our exciting next issue, on God, the gallery of fine art and photography that for nearly 35 years has complemented our provocative exploration of the search for meaning will be brought to you in dazzling color!



Publication date May 1, 2008