Bones of contention
animals and religion in contemporary Japan
Barbara Ambros
265 pages | ~7 hrs
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Learn MoreBones of contention
animals and religion in contemporary Japan
By Barbara Ambros
In contemporary Japan, a remarkable spiritual phenomenon has emerged where beloved pets receive Buddhist funeral rites and memorial services, revealing profound insights into how we understand family, death, and the sacred bonds between humans and animals. Barbara Ambros explores this fascinating intersection of ancient religious traditions and modern pet culture, where Buddhist temples now operate pet cemeteries and conduct elaborate mortuary ceremonies for deceased companion animals.
This compelling investigation examines how Japanese society has transformed its spiritual landscape to accommodate the deep grief and love people feel for their animal companions. As Japan experiences declining birth rates, changing family structures, and an aging population, pets have increasingly filled emotional voids, becoming cherished family members deserving of religious recognition and proper afterlife preparation.
Ambros delves into complex questions that resonate far beyond Japan's borders. What defines a family member worthy of spiritual care? How do religious institutions adapt to serve evolving human needs? What does our treatment of animals in death reveal about our values regarding life, compassion, and the nature of the soul?
Through examining pet funeral practices, this work illuminates broader themes of grief, belonging, and spiritual meaning in contemporary life. It offers readers a unique lens for understanding how ancient wisdom traditions can evolve to address modern emotional and spiritual needs, providing insights relevant to anyone grappling with loss, love, and the sacred dimensions of our relationships with all living beings.
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Pet funeral rites and ceremonies
- ✓ Understand Buddhist philosophy and practice
- ✓ Explore Haustiere
- ✓ Understand death from spiritual perspective
- ✓ Explore Bestattungsritus
- ✓ Explore Japan, social life and customs
- ✓ Explore Funeral rites and ceremonies
- ✓ Explore Funeral customs and rites
Topics
Details
- Published
- 2012
- Publisher
- University of Hawaiʻi Press
- ISBN-13
- 9780824836269
- ISBN-10
- 082483626X
- Pages
- 265
- Language
- EN
