The Buddhist goddess Marishiten
Subtitle: a study of the evolution and impact of her cult on the Japanese warrior
By: by David A. Hall
Publisher: Brill
Published: 2014
Place of publication: Leiden; Boston
Language: mul
Number of pages: 343
ISBN-13: 9789004250109
Subjects: Cult; History; Samurai; Religious life; Japan
Description: In 'The Buddhist goddess Marishiten', David A. Hall provides an in-depth exploration of the Buddhist cult of the warrior goddess Marici; its evolution in India, China, and Japan; its texts and their audience; its rituals; and, finally, its efficacy as experienced by the Japanese warrior class-the bushi or samurai. In examining the psychological effects of these rituals on the Japanese warrior this volume moves beyond a narrowly focused examination of a religious cult. David A. Hall convincingly explains how these rituals aimed at preparing the warrior for combat and acted as an antidote for the toxicity of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) when the warrior returned from the battlefield.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (pages 285-305) and index.