Buddhist Hagiography in Early Japan

Images of Compassion in the Gyoki Tradition

Nonfiction, History, Asian, Asia, Japan, Religion & Spirituality, Eastern Religions, Buddhism
Cover of the book Buddhist Hagiography in Early Japan by Jonathan Morris Augustine, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Jonathan Morris Augustine ISBN: 9781134352906
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: October 21, 2004
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Jonathan Morris Augustine
ISBN: 9781134352906
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: October 21, 2004
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

Hagiographies or idealized biographies which recount the lives of saints, bodhisattvas and other charismatic figures have been the meeting place for myth and experience. In medieval Europe, the 'lives of saints' were read during liturgical celebrations and the texts themselves were treated as sacred objects. In Japan, it was believed that those who read the biographies of lofty monks would acquire merit. Since hagiographies were written or compiled by 'believers', the line between fantasy and reality was often obscured. This study of the bodhisattva Gyoki - regarded as the monk who started the largest social welfare movement in Japan - illustrates how Japanese Buddhist hagiographers chose to regard a single monk's charitable activities as a miraculous achievement that shaped the course of Japanese history.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Hagiographies or idealized biographies which recount the lives of saints, bodhisattvas and other charismatic figures have been the meeting place for myth and experience. In medieval Europe, the 'lives of saints' were read during liturgical celebrations and the texts themselves were treated as sacred objects. In Japan, it was believed that those who read the biographies of lofty monks would acquire merit. Since hagiographies were written or compiled by 'believers', the line between fantasy and reality was often obscured. This study of the bodhisattva Gyoki - regarded as the monk who started the largest social welfare movement in Japan - illustrates how Japanese Buddhist hagiographers chose to regard a single monk's charitable activities as a miraculous achievement that shaped the course of Japanese history.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Ways of War by Jonathan Morris Augustine
Cover of the book Adult and Lifelong Education by Jonathan Morris Augustine
Cover of the book Language and Thought of the Child by Jonathan Morris Augustine
Cover of the book Ethical Principles for the Information Age by Jonathan Morris Augustine
Cover of the book East and South-East Asia by Jonathan Morris Augustine
Cover of the book Economic Citizenship in the European Union by Jonathan Morris Augustine
Cover of the book Later Roman Britain (Routledge Revivals) by Jonathan Morris Augustine
Cover of the book The History of Education in Ghana by Jonathan Morris Augustine
Cover of the book Rethinking Journalism by Jonathan Morris Augustine
Cover of the book Xenakis by Jonathan Morris Augustine
Cover of the book Motherhood in Literature and Culture by Jonathan Morris Augustine
Cover of the book Communicating Beyond Language by Jonathan Morris Augustine
Cover of the book Foundations Of Contextual Therapy:..Collected Papers Of Ivan by Jonathan Morris Augustine
Cover of the book Strategic Uses of Alternative Media: Just the Essentials by Jonathan Morris Augustine
Cover of the book Digital Drama by Jonathan Morris Augustine
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy