Narratives of sorrow and dignity
Book Description
In the quiet corners of Japanese temples, a profound ceremony unfolds that speaks to one of humanity's most tender experiences: the loss of life before birth. Bardwell L. Smith takes readers into the world of mizuko kuyō, a Buddhist ritual that offers comfort to those who have faced miscarriage, stillbirth, or abortion.
This thoughtful exploration reveals how ancient spiritual wisdom adapts to meet contemporary needs. Smith examines the intricate ways that traditional myths, symbols, and practices interweave with modern realities, creating new pathways for healing. Through careful analysis, he illuminates the complex forces at play: family dynamics, medical authority, temple economics, and the enduring power of ancestral bonds.
At its core, this work addresses a universal human experience while honoring its deeply personal nature. The author demonstrates how societies create space for grief and recovery, particularly examining women's roles within Japanese religious life. Drawing from primary source materials, Smith presents authentic voices and experiences that reveal both profound sorrow and remarkable resilience.
The book offers valuable insights for anyone seeking to understand how spiritual communities respond to loss and create meaning from pain. Through the lens of mizuko kuyō, readers discover how ritual and ceremony can transform private suffering into shared healing, offering dignity to experiences that might otherwise remain hidden or unacknowledged.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Long (> 400 pages) (~11 hours)
📄 Length: 410 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Understand Buddhist philosophy and practice
- ✓ Understand psychological principles
- ✓ Explore Rites et cérémonies funéraires
- ✓ Explore Femmes bouddhistes
- ✓ Understand death from spiritual perspective
- ✓ Explore Buddhist women
- ✓ Explore Abortion, religious aspects
- ✓ Explore Religious life
