Zen and Japanese Culture is one of the twentieth century's leading works on Zen; and a valuable source for those wishing to understand its concepts in the context of Japanese life and art. In simple; often poetic; language; Daisetz Suzuki describes his conception of Zen and its historical evolution. He connects Zen to the philosophy of the samurai; and subtly portrays the relationship between Zen and swordsmanship; haiku; tea ceremonies; and the Japanese love of nature. Suzuki's contemplative work is enhanced by anecdotes; poetry; and illustrations showing silk screens; calligraphy; and examples of architecture. Since its original publication in 1938; this important work has played a major role in shaping conceptions of Zen's influence on Japanese traditional arts. Richard Jaffe's introduction acquaints a new generation of readers with Suzuki's life and career in both Japan and America. Jaffe discusses how Zen and Japanese Culture was received upon its first publication and analyzes the book in light of contemporary criticism; especially by scholars of Japanese Buddhism.
#1603769 in Books Robert W Hefner 2007-01-07 2007-01-07Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.20 x .73 x 6.10l; .92 #File Name: 0691129339296 pagesSchooling Islam The Culture and Politics of Modern Muslim Education
Review
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Excellent AnthologyBy Peter A. ConstantianThis anthology on Islamic education has been an invaluable source for my senior research paper. The articles of Jonathan Berkey; Muhammad Qasim Zaman; Barbara Metcalf; and Malika Zeghal have each been particularly useful.Though published in 2007; many of the authors begin their chapter with reference to the western media's new found fascination with the Muslim world following the terrorist attacks of 9/11/2001. While this fascination has indeed started many discussions and contributed to the formulation of many opinions among the American populous; my hope is that the scholarly discourse on Muslim education will look beyond the popular media for sources of inspiration in the years ahead.
