Empire of the Dharma explores the dynamic relationship between Korean and Japanese Buddhists in the years leading up to the Japanese annexation of Korea. Conventional narratives cast this relationship in politicized terms; with Korean Buddhists portrayed as complicit in the “religious annexation†of the peninsula. However; this view fails to account for the diverse visions; interests; and strategies that drove both sides. Hwansoo Ilmee Kim complicates this politicized account of religious interchange by reexamining the “alliance†forged in 1910 between the Japanese Soto sect and the Korean Wonjong order. The author argues that their ties involved not so much political ideology as mutual benefit. Both wished to strengthen Buddhism’s precarious position within Korean society and curb Christianity’s growing influence. Korean Buddhist monastics sought to leverage Japanese resources as a way of advancing themselves and their temples; and missionaries of Japanese Buddhist sects competed with one another to dominate Buddhism on the peninsula. This strategic alliance pushed both sides to confront new ideas about the place of religion in modern society and framed the way that many Korean and Japanese Buddhists came to think about the future of their shared religion.
#1088631 in Books Harvard University Press 2010-11-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.68 x .63 x 5.60l; .72 #File Name: 0674053206152 pages
Review
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful. An engaging read that makes one thinkBy G I TeachNear Andersonville is a quick read at less than 90 pages; it is well written so is an engaging read. This is an analysis of a painting by Winslow Homer. The first part discusses how the painting ended up in with a New Jersey family and this intriguing "detective" story raises issues about what is Art; how important is it to establish who the artist is; etc. In addition; since the painting was re-discovered in the 1960's; he reviews the social situation of the time and why 1960's Art Historians would not be inclined to analyze a painting that so directly addresses race relations. Wood also discusses how the painting; shortly after it was finished; ended up in the hands of a independent; single woman who traveled south during the Civil War to join a group providing education to freed slaves. This extensive section also discusses the abolitionist debates in Boston that were occurring when Homer was growing up. It also discussing Andersonville; a notorious Civil War POW camp and this made me think of some the POW camps in the news this last decade. The final chapter actually analyzes the painting; including some key insights into the symbolism and its relevance to an 1866 audience. This has some key information about why slaves had ambiguous attitudes toward the Civil War and also the conflict in the North about exactly what the war was about. The final short section deals with how modern viewers might deal with the painting and this last section is a powerful endorsement of empathizing with those on the fringes of society; which; in this picture; included blacks and women. I learned a lot of history from this book; a lot about how social context influences art; about how to really examine a picture; and it left me with a lot to think about in terms of race; gender; and power in society.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Short and sweetBy J GrimesA very quick read; this book was well researched and well written. Wood keeps his singular focus and helps the reader understand this work of art; the artist; and the time in which it was created. The only drawback is that Wood makes several conclusions based on inconclusive evidence. It doesn't take too much away from the book because Wood's argument is still convincing.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. engaging bookBy PennyA very thoughtful and thought provoking book by a top notch scholar. Very readable for the non expert. Plus Homer's paintings are fabulous.
