Experimental Buddhism : Innovation and Activism in Contemporary Japan / John K. Nelson; George J. Tanabe.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Nelson, John K., author.

Contributor:

Tanabe, George J., editor.

Series:

Topics in contemporary Buddhism.

Topics in contemporary Buddhism

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Buddhism--Social aspects--Japan.

Buddhism.

Buddhism and social problems--Japan.

Buddhism and social problems.

Buddhism--Japan--Customs and practices.

Genre:

Electronic books.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (322 p.)

Place of Publication:

Honolulu : University of Hawaii Press, [2013]

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Based on ethnographic fieldwork and archival research, it is one of the first studies to give readers a sense of what is happening on the front lines as a growing number of Buddhist priests try to reboot their roles and traditions to gain greater significance in Japanese society.The book profiles innovative as well as controversial responses to the challenges facing Buddhist priests. From traditional activities (conducting memorial rituals; supporting residences for the elderly and infirm; providing relief for victims of natural disasters) to more creative ones (collaborating in suicide prevention efforts; holding symposia and concerts on temple precincts; speaking out against nuclear power following Japan's 2011 earthquake; opening cafés, storefront temples, and pubs; even staging fashion shows with priests on the runway), more progressive members of Japan's Buddhist clergy are trying to navigate a path leading towards renewed relevance in society. An additional challenge is to avoid alienating older patrons while trying to attract younger ones vital to the future of their temples.The work's central theme of "experimental Buddhism"provides a fresh perspective to understand how priests and other individuals employ Buddhist traditions in selective and pragmatic ways. Using these inventive approaches during a time of crisis and transition for Japanese temple Buddhism, priests and practitioners from all denominations seek solutions that not only can revitalize their religious traditions but also influence society and their fellow citizens in positive ways.

Contents:

Frontmatter

Contents

Series Editor's Preface

Acknowledgments

Conventions

Introduction

1. Experimental Buddhism: Contexts and Trajectories

2. Japanese Versions of Buddhism

3. Social Welfare and Buddhist-Inspired Activism

4. Four Prototypes of Experimental Buddhism

5. Alternatives and Innovations in Buddhist Religious Practice

6. The Future of Buddhism in Japan

Appendix

Notes

Works Cited

Index

About the Author

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on online resource; title from PDF title page (publisher's Web site, viewed 28. Aug 2019)

ISBN:

9780824870942

0824870948

9780824838348

0824838343

OCLC:

870969971