A Cultural History of Japanese Buddhism

William E. Deal (Case Western U.) and Brian Ruppert (University of Illinois)

From the Back Cover:

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 world-views through to the mid-19th 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, whilst 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.

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Table of Contents

List of Illustrations vii

Acknowledgments ix

Introduction 1

1 Early Historical Contexts (Protohistory to 645) 13

2 Ancient Buddhism (645–950) 45

3 Early Medieval Buddhism (950–1300): The Dawn of Medieval Society and Related Changes in Japanese Buddhist Culture 87

4 Late Medieval Buddhism (1300–1467): New Buddhisms, Buddhist Learning, Dissemination and the Fall into Chaos 135

5 Buddhism and the Transition to the Modern Era (1467–1800) 171

6 Modern Buddhism (1800–1945) 209

7 Buddhism Since 1945 231

Character Glossary 255

Index 287