The Samurai and the Sacred
The Path of the Warrior
1st Edition
Published on 20. August 2011
224 pages
978-1-84908-994-4 (ISBN)
Description
A comprehensive study into the spiritual world of the Samurai, from the cult of revenge and suicide, to Zen and martial arts.
The fierce loyalty and self-sacrificing attitude of the Samurai have made them both a legend and a cult. Yet although their military prowess and skills in the martial arts have been studied exhaustively, an understanding of their belief system still eludes many.
This original and exciting work examines the spiritual world of the samurai, from their attachment to Japan's mainstream religions of Shinto and Buddhism, to their involvement in Confucianism, Christianity and folk religion.
Samurai expert Stephen Turnbull examines important topics such as Zen and the martial arts, modern militarism, the cult of the sword, revenge and suicide, hara kiri and the kamikaze pilots the suicide bombers of their day. He also looks at the fascinating issue of Japanese religious terrorism, as well as the growing cult status of the Samurai both in Japan and in the West.
The fierce loyalty and self-sacrificing attitude of the Samurai have made them both a legend and a cult. Yet although their military prowess and skills in the martial arts have been studied exhaustively, an understanding of their belief system still eludes many.
This original and exciting work examines the spiritual world of the samurai, from their attachment to Japan's mainstream religions of Shinto and Buddhism, to their involvement in Confucianism, Christianity and folk religion.
Samurai expert Stephen Turnbull examines important topics such as Zen and the martial arts, modern militarism, the cult of the sword, revenge and suicide, hara kiri and the kamikaze pilots the suicide bombers of their day. He also looks at the fascinating issue of Japanese religious terrorism, as well as the growing cult status of the Samurai both in Japan and in the West.
More details
Edition
1. Auflage
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Illustrations
138 col
ISBN-13
978-1-84908-994-4 (9781849089944)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Book
05/2009
Osprey Publishing
€36.11
No shipping information available
Person
Stephen Turnbull took his first degree at Cambridge University, and received a PhD from Leeds University for his work on Japanese religious history. He has travelled extensively in Europe and the Far East and also runs a well-used picture library. His work has been recognised by the awarding of the Canon Prize of the British Association for Japanese Studies and a Japan Festival Literary Award. He currently divides his time between lecturing in Japanese Religion at the University of Leeds and writing.
Content
Introduction
The Way of the Gods
Buddha and the Bushi
The Gods Go to War
Warriors of the Pure Land
Onward, Christian Samurai!
The Samurai and the Secret
Zen and the Samurai
The Ways of the Warrior
From Samurai to Spirit
Epilogue
Endnotes
Select Bibliography
Glossary
Index
The Way of the Gods
Buddha and the Bushi
The Gods Go to War
Warriors of the Pure Land
Onward, Christian Samurai!
The Samurai and the Secret
Zen and the Samurai
The Ways of the Warrior
From Samurai to Spirit
Epilogue
Endnotes
Select Bibliography
Glossary
Index
