Religion and the making of modern East Asia

By Thomas David DuBois

Book Description

Discover how ancient spiritual traditions have shaped the cultural landscape of East Asia in this illuminating exploration of religious evolution across China and Japan. Thomas David DuBois guides readers through centuries of spiritual transformation, revealing the profound ways that Confucian philosophy and Buddhist teachings have influenced entire civilizations.

This comprehensive journey spans from Tokyo to Tibet, focusing particularly on the pivotal period following the fourteenth century when enduring political dynasties reshaped the social, economic, and spiritual fabric of these nations. Rather than treating religious traditions as isolated phenomena, DuBois demonstrates their interconnected nature and their powerful role in directing the course of Asian history.

Through examination of significant historical moments including the Taiping Uprising and the Boxer Rebellion, readers gain insight into how spiritual beliefs have served as catalysts for major social and political changes. The narrative extends into modern times, exploring complex topics such as the wartime elevation of Japan's emperor to divine status, the religious dimensions of Marxist ideology, and ongoing spiritual conflicts including the persecution faced by Tibet's Dalai Lama.

For those seeking to understand how religious thought continues to influence contemporary East Asian societies, this work offers valuable perspective on the enduring power of spiritual traditions to shape human experience across cultures and centuries.