Imperial-Way Zen
Subtitle: Ichikawa Hakugen's critique and lingering questions for Buddhist ethics
By: Christopher Ives.
Publisher: University of Hawai'i Press
Published: 2009
Place of publication: Honolulu
Language: eng
Number of pages: 274
ISBN-13: 9780824833312
Subjects: Ichikawa, Hakugen, -- 1902-1986; Zen Buddhism -- Political aspects -- Japan -- History -- 20th century; Buddhism and state -- Japan -- History -- 20th century; Nationalism -- Religious aspects -- Zen Buddhism; Buddhist ethics -- Japan -- History -- 20th century
Description: "During the first half of the twentieth century, Zen Buddhist leaders contributed actively to Japanese imperialism, giving rise to what has been termed "Imperial-Way Zen" (Kodo Zen). Its foremost critic was priest, professor, and activist Ichikawa Hakugen (1902-1986), who spent the decades following Japan's surrender almost single-handedly chronicling Zen's support of Japan's imperialist regime and pressing the issue of Buddhist war responsibility. Ichikawa focused his critique on the Zen approach to religious liberation, the political ramifications of Buddhist metaphysical constructs, the traditional collaboration between Buddhism and governments in East Asia, the philosophical system of Nishida Kitaro (1876-1945), and the vestiges of State Shinto in postwar Japan."--Jacket.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.