Customer Reviews

Zen War Stories (Routledge Critical Studies in Buddhism)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This well researched and controversial book makes a deep impression. It raises crucially important questions about the relationship between religion and state as well as casting new light upon twentieth century Japanese history. That even Buddhism, in theory the most peaceful of creeds, could have been so extensively corrupted by a military agenda, gives one many
insights into human nature, not least, by comparison, into the contemporary phenomenon of guerrilla fundamentalists and their crusading patriotic opponents. The book contains a wealth of fascinating original source material, a feature that not only brings home the reality of war and its moral dilemmas, but also, most importantly, enables the reader to draw his or her own conclusions. An excellent book.

This book gives a rarely portrayed glimpse into the influence of Zen Buddhism within and on the early 20th century war machine of Japanese imperialism. With many stories of religion gone wrong, this is an important work.