A Cultural History of Japanese Buddhism - 9781405167017

Professors Deal and Ruppert offer a detailed account of the rich diversity of Japanese Buddhist traditions from the sixth century to the present, paying close attention to social context. This comprehensive volume draws together the most recent developments in scholarship for each historical period and redresses many of the gaps in prior overviews. It will serve for years to come as a welcome introduction to students and a valuable reference for specialists

Jacqueline Stone, Princeton University

A Cultural History of Japanese Buddhism presents a vivid, nuanced, and chronological account of Buddhist religion in Japan, from its emergence in the sixth century right through to the present day. Authors William Deal and Brian Ruppert, both experts on Japanese religions, explore each period of Japanese history to reveal the complex and often controversial histories of Japanese Buddhists and their unfolding narratives

Incorporating the most recent Japanese and Western scholarship, the book explores the contexts that made possible the introduction of Buddhist texts and images in the sixth century, traces their development through the Nara and early Heian eras, and reveals the increasing influence of Buddhism into the Kamakura Era. It addresses the increasing competition between Buddhist, Shinto, and Neo-Confucian worldviews through to the mid nineteenth century, and following Japan's emergence as a world power, explores Buddhist thought and practice from World War II through to the present day. Offering readers more than a simple historical review, the authors also reveal the seemingly contradictory ways that Japanese people are able to draw upon Buddhist ideas to help create a more meaningful world, while at the same time justifying multiple and competing perspectives. With scholarly precision, A Cultural History of Japanese Buddhism offers an illuminating glimpse into the evolution of a complex and often misunderstood religious tradition