Dojo: Magic and Exorcism in Modern Japan [Paperback]

Winston Davis (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This informative and highly readable book is a study of one of the so-called new religious sects of Japan called Sukyo Mahikari.. The book goes beyond providing information on Japanese religious ideas and acts and relates to religious studies in a wider sense, including the question of the circumstances fostering the survival of occultism."—Edward Norbeck, The American Anthropologist

"Stone by symbolic stone, Davis is able to reconstruct the architecture of hopes and actions that transform a humdrum meeting room into 'a sacred space where revelations and miracles can take place.' Many others have written about Japanese religious pragmatism, Davis is one of the few to demonstrate how it can be convincing."—David W. Plath, Journal of Japanese Studies

"Among the new religions which proliferated in Japan after the war . . . is a singular and hitherto unexamined exorcistic sect called Sukyo Mahikari.... It believes in spirit possession (one's ancestors, grudging samurai, vagrant animal souls) and also in the member's ability to rout these astral interlopers. In addition, these powers may be used to repair automobiles, TV sets, and the like... . Much of the book's fascination lies in the fact that it is all so immediate (the author was there daily, observing and recounting), and that the mass of material he presents is so spectacular, involving as it does possession by malevolent grandmothers, disgruntled samurai ancestors, bad dogs, and worse eats." —Donald Richie, The Japan Times

"Davis's excellent book . . . breaks entirely new ground. Here for the first time we have an in-depth study, based on first-hand experience and participation. ... It is by no means only the sociologist who will find exceptionally interesting material in this unusual book. Anyone concerned with the religion, the folklore, or indeed, the fundamental patterns of the Japanese character, will find it hard to put down.. .. Davis's literary style is vigorous and lucid, and entirely free from sociological jargon."—Carmen Blacker, The Times Literary Supplement

About the Author

Winston Davis is Professor Emeritus at Washington and Lee University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 344 pages
• Publisher: Stanford University Press; 1 edition (June 1, 1980)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0804711313
• ISBN-13: 978-0804711319
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,644,484 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, Insightful, and Accurate, April 24, 2006

By 

Ash "Asher Kennedy" (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dojo: Magic and Exorcism in Modern Japan (Paperback)

As a former member of Sukyo Mahikari, I found this book to be very insightful. I was a Mahikari baby, born and bred in Mahikari...it took me a long time to break the mind control of this cult, and even now I am grappling with the left over damage; this book strongly reinforced what I already knew about Mahikari, but it also pointed out new paralells that I had not yet seen. Very helpful as far as aiding the healing process. I recommend this book to all former members as well as current members...not that current members would read it...that would be an indication of a spirit disturbance. To the above reviewer...this book is accurate and truly does depict the subtle mind control tactics used within this cult. Obviously you are still involved in Mahikari and not yet ready to accept the falacies in their practices and beliefs...it's alright though, it is only a matter of time. You can expect to see a post about your comment on my blog. Check it out:

http://revealed1001.blogspot.com/

-Ash Kennedy

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!, May 23, 2006

By 

Lara - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dojo: Magic and Exorcism in Modern Japan (Paperback)

I loved it. It is so accurate to the way life is within Sukyo Mahikari. I recommend this to anyone who is thinking of joining Sukyo Mahikari or has already joined...

Oh, and to all you Kumite who keep reporting my reviews because you can't stand the truth...nick off!

Check out my blog about Mahikari and my experiences...

http://tangledsukyomahikari.blogspot.com/

9 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars the author is off the mark, May 5, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Dojo: Magic and Exorcism in Modern Japan (Hardcover)

As a practitioner of Sukyo Mahikari for over ten years, I found this book somewhat baffeling if not down right insulting. Although the author seems to take the objective perspective of a scientist/researcher, what I found was mis-information, mis-interpretation and frankly, a very biased, point of view. Winston Davis finds the Mahikari practitioners phrase "Try it and see", a "manipulative" one. How else can one understand a phenomenon unless one is willing to look at it from many points of view. One can only see the surface from the outside. And, what is found within,through direct in-depth experience, can change the view of the surface.