Rude awakenings

Zen, the Kyoto school, & the question of …

James W. Heisig

381 pages  |  ~11 hrs

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Rude awakenings

Zen, the Kyoto school, & the question of nationalism

By James W. Heisig

This thought-provoking examination reveals how spiritual traditions can become entangled with political forces in ways that challenge our assumptions about religious neutrality. Through the lens of Japanese Buddhism and philosophy during the Pacific War era, this collection exposes the complex relationship between contemplative practice and national identity.

Fifteen scholars from Japan and the West investigate how Zen Buddhism and the influential Kyoto school of philosophy intersected with wartime nationalism. Rather than existing in separate spheres, these spiritual and intellectual traditions became deeply connected to the political currents of their time. The contributors examine the actions and writings of prominent Buddhist thinkers and philosophers, including Nishida Kitaro, exploring how their ideas both shaped and were shaped by the nationalist fervor surrounding them.

This scholarly investigation offers three distinct perspectives: the role of Zen practice in wartime Japan, the political dimensions of Kyoto school philosophy, and the broader questions of how spiritual intellectuals navigate their responsibilities during periods of national crisis. The book presents a nuanced exploration of how religious and philosophical traditions respond to political pressures, revealing the human complexities behind spiritual movements.

For readers interested in understanding how contemplative traditions interact with worldly concerns, this work provides valuable insights into the ongoing challenge of maintaining spiritual integrity while engaging with the political realities of one's time and place.

What You'll Discover

  • Explore Nationalism--japan
  • Practice Zen Buddhist meditation
  • Explore Nationalism, japan
  • Explore Nationalism
  • Explore timeless philosophical wisdom
  • Explore 181/.12
  • Explore Philosophy, japanese
  • Explore Religion--philosophy

Topics

Nationalism--japan Zen Buddhism Nationalism, japan Nationalism Philosophy 181/.12 Philosophy, japanese Religion--philosophy Philosophy, japanese--20th century Religion B5241.r83 1995 Japanese Philosophy Religion, philosophy Zen buddhism--philosophy

Details

Published
1995
Publisher
University of Hawai'i Press, Univ of Hawaii Pr
ISBN-10
0824817354
Pages
381
Language
EN