The great Buddhist priest Kukai (774-835) is credited with the introduction and establishment of tantric -or esoteric -Buddhism in early ninth-century Japan. In Ryuichi Abe examines this important religious figure -neglected in modern academic literature -and his profound influence on Japanese culture. Offering a radically new approach to the study of early religious history -combining historical research, discourse analysis, literary criticism, and semiology -Abe contends that the importance of Kukais transmission of esoteric Buddhism to Japan lay not in the foundation of a new sect but in...
The great Buddhist priest Kukai (774-835) is credited with the introduction and establishment of tantric -or esoteric -Buddhism in early ninth-century...
"Whenever I have questions on Mahayana Buddhist doctrine, I return to this text and Professor Hakeda's interpretation of it. I wonder if I will ever encounter a work that is at once more profound, attractive, and mysterious than the Awakening of Faith." -- Ryuichi Ab, from the introduction
First published in 1967, Yoshito S. Hakeda's critical interpretation of the Awakening of Faith has become a classic. This edition, which includes a new introduction by Ryuichi Ab, presents a beautiful and accessible translation of one of the...
"Whenever I have questions on Mahayana Buddhist doctrine, I return to this text and Professor Hakeda's interpretation of it. I wonder if I will eve...
Taigu Ryokan (1759-1831) remains one of the most popular figures in Japanese Buddhist history. Despite his religious and artistic sophistication, Ryokan referred to himself as Great Fool and refused to place himself within the cultural elite of his age. In contrast to the typical Zen master of his time, who presided over a large monastery, trained students, and produced recondite religious treatises, Ryokan followed a life of mendicancy in the countryside. Instead of delivering sermons, he expressed himself through kanshi (poems composed in classical Chinese) and waka and could typically...
Taigu Ryokan (1759-1831) remains one of the most popular figures in Japanese Buddhist history. Despite his religious and artistic sophistication, R...
Explores the path leading to enlightenment and teaches the principles and methods of meditation. This text calls for dynamic social engagement based on compassion and wisdom. Philosophical and religious in its approach, it provides a comprehensive summary of the essentials of Mahayana Buddhism.
Explores the path leading to enlightenment and teaches the principles and methods of meditation. This text calls for dynamic social engagement based o...
