Buddhism, War, and Nationalism: Chinese Monks in the Struggle Against Japanese Aggression 1931-1945
0
0
As an Amazon Associate and affiliate partner, Menrva Books earns from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Author Description
This Thesis Examines The Doctrinal Grounds And Different Approaches To Working Out This New Buddhist Tradition, A Startling Contrast To The Teachings Of Non-violence And Compassion Which Have Made Buddhism Known As A Religion Of Peace. In Scores Of Articles As War Approached In 1936-37, New Monks Searched And Reinterpreted Scripture, Making Controversial Arguments For Ideas Like Compassionate Killing Which Would Justify Participating In War. Cover; Title; Copyright; Dedication; Contents; Foreword; Acknowledgments; Introduction; Chapter One Changing Buddhism In Modern China; Chapter Two Buddhism And National Defending; Chapter Three Propaganda Against Japanese Aggressions; Chapter Four Buddhist Participation In The War; Chapter Five Buddhism In Japanese-occupied Areas; Chapter Six Taixu And Buddhism After The War; Conclusion; Notes; Bibliography; Index Xue Yu. Description Based Upon Print Version Of Record. Includes Bibliographical References (pages 257-268) And Index.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This book investigates the doctrinal shifts and ideological justifications that allowed Chinese Buddhist monks to reconcile traditional pacifism with the necessity of national defense during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Xue Yu, a scholar of modern Chinese Buddhism, utilizes a wide array of primary sources, including contemporary articles and monastic writings from the 1930s and 1940s. The work argues that the existential threat posed by Japanese aggression forced a reinterpretation of Buddhist scripture, leading to the emergence of a militant, nationalist-aligned Buddhist tradition that prioritized the survival of the state.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- Analysis of the theological transition from traditional non-violence to the concept of compassionate killing.
- Examination of the role of prominent figures like Taixu in shaping wartime Buddhist discourse.
- Documentation of Buddhist propaganda efforts and direct participation in the resistance against Japanese forces.
- Historical overview of the institutional challenges faced by monasteries in Japanese-occupied territories.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Scholars recognize this work as a significant contribution to the study of modern Chinese religious history and the intersection of faith and nationalism. The text is noted for its rigorous use of primary source material and its objective analysis of a complex, often overlooked aspect of wartime Chinese society.
Page Count:
0
Publication Date:
2013-01-01
Publisher:
Taylor & Francis Group
ISBN-10:
0203959124
ISBN-13:
9780203959121
History
Religion
Buddhism china
China
Buddhism
Asian History
War
Religious Aspects
Community Tags
Similar Books
