Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
This work shows how the Mahayanistic views of life and the world differs markedly from that of the Theravada, which is generally taken as Buddhism by occidentals, to explain how the religion of Buddha has adapted itself to its environment in the Far East. For this purpose, out of thirteen Japanese sects, the Zen sect has been singled out, not only because of the great influence it has exercised on the nation, but also because of the unique position it holds among the established religious systems of the world.
As regards Japan, it was first introduced into the island as the faith for the Samurai or the military class, and molded the characters of many distinguished soldiers and statesmen.
Synopsis
First published in 2005. Zen Buddism was first introduced in Japan as the faith for the Samurai or the military class and moulded the characters of many distinguished soldiers and statesmen. The object of this work is show to how the Mahavanistic views of life and the world differ markedly from those of the Theravada, and this to explain how the religion of Buddha has adapted itself to its environment in the Far East. To this end, the author undertakes a close study of the Zen sect, selecting this group because of the great influence it has had on Japanese life and also because of the unique position it holds among the established religious systems of the world.