The Social Dimension of Shin Buddhism

Description

Shin Buddhism (J do Shinsh ), although weakened in many ways by secularization, continues to be a stable presence in Japanese society, as is emblematically shown by the very symmetrical position of the Nishi (Honganji-ha) and the Higashi Honganji ( tani-ha) head temples in the center of Ky to, and by the recent projects for their renovation. This book addresses the need for more academic research on Shin Buddhism, and is specifically directed at describing and analyzing distinctive social aspects of this religious tradition in historical and contemporary perspective. The contributions collected here cover a wide range of issues, including the intersection between Shin Buddhism and fields as diverse as politics, education, social movements, economy, culture and the media, social ethics, gender, and globalization." Contents Introduction: Shin Buddhism and Japanese Society Socio-Economic Impacts of Hōnen’s Pure Land Doctrines: An Inquiry into the Interplay between Buddhist Teachings and Institutions Shin Buddhism and Burakumin in the Edo Period Shinshū Studies and the Legacy of Liberal Thought in Japan To Lament the Self: The Ethical Ideology of Takeuchi Ryō’on (1891–1968) and the Ōtani-ha Movement against Buraku Discrimination Shin Buddhism and Gender: The Discourse On Gender Discrimination and Related Reforms Speaking through the Media: Shin Buddhism, Popular Culture and the Internet Shin Buddhism and Globalization: Attitudes toward the Political Subsystem and Pluralism at the Organizational and Individual Levels Appendices List of Contributors Index