The essays in this volume attempt to place the Chan and Zen tradition in their ritual and cultural contexts; looking at various aspects heretofore largely (and unduly) ignored. In particular; they show the extent to which these traditions; despite their claim to uniqueness; were indebted to larger trends in East Asian Buddhism; such as the cults of icons; relics and the monastic robe.The book emphasises the importance of ritual for a proper understanding of this allegedly anti-ritualistic form of Buddhism. In doing so; it deconstructs the Chan/Zen 'rhetoric of immediacy' and its ideological underpinnings.
#127511 in Books 2000-10-21Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.48 x 1.36 x 7.10l; 2.47 #File Name: 0415168600640 pages
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0 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy jeffrey sagelA gem.8 of 15 people found the following review helpful. Comprehensive source on Jewish philosophyBy Karen A. FisherI have yet to make as much use of this book as I had hoped; but bought it because I was so impressed upon poring over the copy used by my professor. I appreciate how it is set up; with commanding chapter and section headings whose very titles force me to read further. I enjoy being able to open the book at random; without having to read each chapter in sequence. I strongly recommend this book.0 of 4 people found the following review helpful. High Quality Item High Quality Processing of OrderBy CustomerThis item arrived expeditiously; as needed. The response was superb. The product quality is high; both in content and in the physical assembly of the text.
