Japanese Buddhism was introduced to a wide Western audience when a delegation of Buddhist priests attended the World's Parliament of Religions; part of the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago. In describing and analyzing this event; Judith Snodgrass challenges the predominant view of Orientalism as a one-way process by which Asian cultures are understood strictly through Western ideas. Restoring agency to the Buddhists themselves; she shows how they helped reformulate Buddhism as a modern world religion with specific appeal to the West while simultaneously reclaiming authority for the tradition within a rapidly changing Japan.Snodgrass explains how the Buddhism presented in Chicago was shaped by the institutional; social; and political imperatives of the Meiji Buddhist revival movement in Japan and was further determined by the Parliament itself; which; despite its rhetoric of fostering universal brotherhood and international goodwill; was thoroughly permeated with confidence in the superiority of American Protestantism. Additionally; in the context of Japan's intensive diplomatic campaign to renegotiate its treaties with Western nations; the nature of Japanese religion was not simply a religious issue; Snodgrass argues; but an integral part of Japan's bid for acceptance by the international community.
#338021 in Books The University of North Carolina Press 1998-12-14Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x .86 x 6.00l; 1.20 #File Name: 0807847461344 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Nadine L StewartExcellent research. Gives new insights on the topic.3 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Antebellum Women's RightsBy Paul OprescuIsenberg studies women's political and social activism in antebellum America. In her study she demonstrates how through various mediums such as public speaking; conventions; publications and fashion women expressed a unique feminist perspective. Feminists of antebellum America more importantly; attempt and perhaps succeed to an extent to define their own gender roles and defy those ascribed them by men. With a keen understanding of rights and representation feminists challenge the normative assumptions of citizenship.12 of 17 people found the following review helpful. One of the finest examples of political historyBy A CustomerNancy Isenberg has written one of the finest examples of political history to emerge from the field of women's history. Her work underscores the importance of the women's rights movement and situates that movement within the political culture of the antebellum period. The book is a little weak on narrative but its sophistication and ability to contextualize the women's rights movement within the broader political culture of the period makes this book a worthwhile read for all historians interested in pre-civil war America.
