Zen at War
Brian A. Victoria(Author)
Rowman & Littlefield (Publisher)
2nd Edition
Published on 29. June 2006
Book
Hardback
304 pages
978-0-7425-3927-3 (ISBN)
Description
A compelling history of the contradictory, often militaristic, role of Zen Buddhism, this book meticulously documents the close and previously unknown support of a supposedly peaceful religion for Japanese militarism throughout World War II. Drawing on the writings and speeches of leading Zen masters and scholars, Brian Victoria shows that Zen served as a powerful foundation for the fanatical and suicidal spirit displayed by the imperial Japanese military. At the same time, the author recounts the dramatic and tragic stories of the handful of Buddhist organizations and individuals that dared to oppose Japan's march to war. He follows this history up through recent apologies by several Zen sects for their support of the war and the way support for militarism was transformed into corporate Zen in postwar Japan. The second edition includes a substantive new chapter on the roots of Zen militarism and an epilogue that explores the potentially volatile mix of religion and war. With the increasing interest in Buddhism in the West, this book is as timely as it is certain to be controversial.
More details
Edition
2nd ed.
Language
English
Place of publication
Lanham, MD
United States
Target group
College/higher education
Illustrations
Illustrations, ports.
Dimensions
Height: 237 mm
Width: 164 mm
Thickness: 22 mm
Weight
535 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-7425-3927-3 (9780742539273)
Copyright in bibliographic data is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or its licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Brian Daizen Victoria
Zen at War
E-Book
06/2006
2nd Edition
Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
€43.49
Available for download

Brian Daizen Victoria
Zen at War
E-Book
06/2006
2nd Edition
Bloomsbury eBooks US
€43.49
Available for download