Japanese Religious Traditions (Religions of the World) - Softcover

Yusa Ph.D., Michiko

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9780130911643: Japanese Religious Traditions (Religions of the World)

Softcover

ISBN 10: 013091164X ISBN 13: 9780130911643

Publisher: Pearson, 2002

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This illuminating introduction to Japanese culture and religiosity offers a straightforward chronological narrative to Japanese religions by focusing on major Japanese religious and political figures who have profound acumen into their own living faith and describing what each thought (or taught) and did. Covers Japanese religious practices from the medieval times to present day, taking an existential and psychological approach to exploring the founders of various Japanese Buddhist sects and concentrating on what kind of questions they themselves asked about Buddhism. Describes the rise of modern Japanese nationalism in relation to “State Shinto” , explaining how it underwent ideological and political transfigurations through the times to help readers in their appraisal of the current state of Japanese society, politics, and what direction the country may be taking in the future. Also presents significant discussions on the role of women and their positions in Japanese religions, history, and society. For general readers interested in Japanese religions, world religions, and Asian culture.

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From the Back Cover:

This series provides succinct and balanced overviews of the religions of the world. Written in an accessible and informative style, and assuming little or no prior knowledge on the part of the reader, each book gives a basic introduction to the faith—its history, beliefs, and practices—and emphasizes modern developments and the role and impact of the religion in today's world.

Japanese Religious Traditions focuses on major Japanese religious concepts, practices, and sects within the traditions of Shinto, Buddhism, and popular modern movements. It is written in an accessible narrative that provides a valuable insight into the heart of Japanese culture. The coverage of the various key players in religious sects presents challenging philosophical questions to the reader, which in turn highlight the subtle nuances and shifts of expression in our own time and society.

About the Author:

Mithiko Yusa is Professor of Japanese and East Asian Studies, Western Washington University, Bellingham, Washington.

Ninian Smart was J. F. Rowny Professor of Comparative Religions at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

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