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 Buddhismâ€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.
#1564656 in Books Univ of Hawaii Pr 2006-12 2006-12-18Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.93 x .60 x 5.97l; .81 #File Name: 082483139X232 pages
Review
8 of 14 people found the following review helpful. Interesting; yet not an easy; enjoyable readBy David QuigleyDr. Dudden presents her argument that Japan mastered; and sometimes misused; western terms for international law. Using their mastery; they made their annexation of Korea "legal" by international terms. In doing so; Japan won the support of much of the west (excluding Russia) and situated itself as a legal colonizer of Korea.Although the topic is interesting; the book is not one that is easily read. It is often out of chronological order and sometimes goes off on tangents that take the reader's attention away from the topic at hand. Dr. Dudden presents her points using words that I am convinced she searched through a thesaurus for; as the terms are often very obscure. Although she obviously knows the subject extremely well; it sometimes seemed as if she was going around in circles when explaining an idea.I wish she would have gone more into Japan's actions when in Korea. The book is mainly about the "discourse" used in international law and how Japan came around in mastering these terms and even translating them into their own language. It is at times very boring to read; but Dr. Dudden does make her points clearly in each chapter.I would suggest this book for anyone interested in Japanese and/or Korean history as it shows how a country can legally be taken control of just by the usage of language. It is a concept foreign to most people today; but was an important historical moment for Japan when they made the annexation of Korea legal.1 of 3 people found the following review helpful. An angle at this piece of history most historians and observers ignoreBy Nerdus MaximusAlexis Dudden tackles the Japanese annexation of Korea from the perspective of the legal framework which Japan used to take Korea into its sphere. She explains and details how Japan; far earlier and ahead of both China and Korea; mastered the western empires' usage and definition of international law to legitimize and defend their own takeover of other countries and adopted the westerners' own "game" to become an international power player; and hence; avoid the fates of those nations colonized by the west.A short; yet rich book; filled with interesting and relevant facts. Merits at least two readings.
