Practically Religious: Worldly Benefits and the Common Religion of JapanPraying for practical benefits (genze riyaku) is a common religious activity in Japan. Despite its widespread nature and the vast numbers of people who pray and purchase amulets and talismans for everything from traffic safety and education success to business prosperity and protection from disease, the practice has been virtually ignored in academic studies or relegated to the margins as a uh_product of superstition or an aberration from the true dynamics of religion. Basing their work on a fusion of textual, ethnographic, historical, and contemporary studies, the authors of this volume demonstrate the fallacy of such views, showing that, far from being marginal, the concepts and practices surrounding genze riyaku lie at the very heart of the Japanese religious world. They thrive not only as popular religious expression but are supported by the doctrinal structures of most Buddhist sects, are ordained in religious scriptures, and are promoted by monastic training centers, shrines, and temples. |
From inside the book
Results 1-5 of 42
... Benefits : The Marketing of Efficacy and Truth 206 Creating a Religious Department Store 206 Marketing Reputation through Stories 209 Advertising through Events , Festivals , and Rituals Contemporary Media Vill CONTENTS.
... efficacy of this religious group and its practices - which , she claimed , enabled its devotees to achieve any goal they wished — her friend persuaded her to go along to a meeting at this movement's local center . Attend- ing the ...
... efficacy of her prayers and could see how her involvement in the new religious movement had improved her life . In that moment she recognized what her friend had told her and what countless other adherents to new religions in Japan had ...
... efficacy are central to its dynamic rather than ephemeral or expedient . The doctrine of skillful means , rather than being a truly central dynamic that leads people to , and legitimates , the practice of seeking practical benefits , is ...
... efficacy and be- nevolence of their response . The peace of mind that results from hav- ing prayed and acquired a sign ( an amulet or some other tangible ob- ject ) of the grace of the buddhas has the effect , he stated , of enabling ...
Other editions - View all
Practically Religious: Worldly Benefits and the Common Religion of Japan Ian Reader,George J. Tanabe No preview available - 1998 |