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 43
... while the whole thrust of Shinto mythology and legends , as set out in texts such as the Kojiki , speaks of the role of Shinto deities ( kami ) in providing the good things that contribute to fruitful human life . Introduction 13.
... human life . Shinto shrines dedicated to deities such as Hachiman , Tenjin , and Inari draw large crowds of petitioners seeking blessings , good luck , and protection from misfortune . Deities such as Inari are called upon to support a ...
... human needs and es- sential aspects of living a satisfied life , one with meaning and value . The concept and practices related to the pursuit of this - worldly benefits demonstrate a worldview in which psychic causation is con- sidered ...
... human beings are unable to accomplish everything by themselves : they need some support , or at least a feeling that they are being supported , in their endeavors . Implicit , too , in such prayers is the notion of coop- eration : in ...
... human beings . Religion itself , along with showing us the exis- tence of the gods and buddhas , provides the spiritual foundations for human life , releases us from its sufferings and pains , gives rise to a joyful life , and teaches ...
Other editions - View all
Practically Religious: Worldly Benefits and the Common Religion of Japan Ian Reader,George J. Tanabe No preview available - 1998 |