Living Buddhist Statues in Early Medieval and Modern Japan

by Horton, Sarah J.

• ISBN13: 9781403964205
• ISBN10: 1403964203
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2007-09-15
• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan

Summary

Straddling the divide between art history and religious studies, this compelling study examines several surprising functions of Buddhist statues, all of which helped rapidly disseminate Buddhist beliefs among the populace in tenth and eleventh century Japan. Using ethnographic data drawn from present-day fieldwork and marshalling ancient textual evidence, Horton reveals the historical origins and development of modern Japanese beliefs and practices.

Author Biography

Sarah J. Horton received her Ph.D. in Religious Studies from Yale University. She is a scholar of East Asian religions and Japanese culture.

Table of Contents

Introduction * Living Images: Consecration Ceremonies and Tales of Life * Sakyamuni, the Historical Buddha: Still Alive in This World * Longing for the Pure Land: Statues of Amida Buddha and His Attendants * Body-Substitution Statues: The Image Takes On the Suffering * Secret Buddhas: Worshipping What You Cannot See * Conclusion