Japanese Rinzai Zen Buddhism : : Myoshinji, a living religion / / by Jrn Borup.

• Superior document: Numen book series : studies in the history of religions, v. 119
• Author: Borup, Jrn.
• Year of Publication: 2008
• Edition: 1st ed.
• Language: English
• Series: Studies in the history of religions ; 119.
• Physical Description: 1 online resource (xii, 314 pages, 14 unnumbered pages of plates) :; illustrations
• Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [299]-312) and index.

Zen Buddhist ideas and practices in many ways are unique within the study of religion, and artists, poets and Buddhists practitioners worldwide have found inspiration from this tradition. Until recent years, representations of Zen Buddhism have focussed almost entirely on philosophical, historical or “spiritual” aspects. This book investigates the contemporary living reality of the largest Japanese Rinzai Zen Buddhist group, Myōshinji. Drawing on textual studies and ethnographic fieldwork, Jørn Borup analyses how its practitioners use and understand their religion, how they practice their religiosity and how different kinds of Zen Buddhists (monks, nuns, priest, lay people) interact and define themselves within the religious organization. Japanese Rinzai Zen Buddhism portrays a living Zen Buddhism being both uniquely interesting and interestingly typical for common Buddhist and Japanese religiosity.

Table of Contents

Preliminary Material / Borup -- Introduction / Borup -- Chapter One. Myoshinji: Institution, History, And Structure / Borup -- Chapter Two. Zen Buddhists / Borup -- Chapter Three. Zen Religious Practice / Borup -- Chapter Four. Conclusion / Borup -- Appendix / Borup -- Bibliography / Borup -- Index / Borup.