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. |
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... thing beneficial and relevant to their daily lives . These immediate benefits are known as genze riyaku , a term that can be translated as " this - worldly benefits , " " practical benefits in this lifetime , " or simply “ practical ...
... things as visits to shrines and temples ( locations that cannot be classified other than as religious institutions ) , partici- pation in festivals that are focused on shrines , temples , and deities , the acquisition of amulets and ...
... things happen , it has facilitated the continuing image of Buddhism as a religion engaged in mundane and material pursuits only as a device and stratagem , rather than as matters of proper religious concern . Within the context of ...
... things that contribute to fruitful 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 ...
... things . The range of complexities and themes related to the seemingly simple notion of a benefit ( riyaku ) that is attained , enjoyed , and ex- perienced in this life ( genze ) will become more evident as the book continues . Here ...
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Practically Religious: Worldly Benefits and the Common Religion of Japan Ian Reader,George J. Tanabe No preview available - 1998 |