A Century of Critical Buddhism in Japan

James Mark Shields

A Century of Critical Buddhism in Japan

James Mark Shields

Bucknell University

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Abstract

This chapter introduces the central arguments of Critical Buddhism as a lens by which to view the course of “modern” Buddhism in Japan, particularly as it relates to politics. It traces philosophical and political precedents for Critical Buddhism in the context of Japanese modernity, by focusing on several progressive Buddhist figures movements from mid-Meiji through early Sh&omacr;wa, including the New Buddhist Fellowship and the Youth League for Revitalizing Buddhism. I argue that previous attempts to centralize criticism as a basic Buddhist precept were unsuccessful in part do to an inability to distinguish the Buddhistic components of their thought and practice, but that the inspiration and central insights of Critical Buddhism and its progressive precedents remain relevant in the twenty-first century.

Original language	American English
Title of host publication	Introduction to Buddhist East Asia
State	Published - Mar 1 2023

Keywords

East Asian Buddhism
Japanese Buddhism
Modern Buddhism
Politics
Critical Buddhism

Disciplines

Asian History
Buddhist Studies
Comparative Philosophy
Ethics and Political Philosophy
Ethics in Religion
History of Religion
History of Religions of Eastern Origins
Intellectual History
Japanese Studies
Political History
Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion

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A Century of Critical Buddhism in JapanFinal published version, 722 KBLicense: CC BY

Cite this

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A Century of Critical Buddhism in Japan

Abstract

Keywords

Disciplines

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