About the book
In this compelling narrative of discovery set in Japan’s remote Dewa Sanzan mountain range, Shayne A. P. Dahl describes Shugendō, a secretive religious tradition that combines aspects of Shinto, Buddhism, and mountain worship. As a participant-observer, Dahl invites readers into the practices of contemporary ascetics who see the sacred mountains as wombs within which cycles of life, death, and rebirth can be harnessed for the sake of personal transformation and existential realization. As Dahl argues, immersion in Shugendō provides ascetics and pilgrims with an escape from capitalist modernity and an avenue for self-reflection in the wake of the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster near Fukushima in March 2011.
Immersing readers in the intimate and hidden dimensions of Shugendō, Dahl sheds light on how practitioners sustain their traditions in the face of modern temptations and tensions within their religious communities. Filled with insight into Shugendō’s contribution to Japanese cultural identity, this book offers groundbreaking perspective on the intersections of ecology, disaster, religion, the human condition, and death.
Editions of The Secret World of Shugendō
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781469690599
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781469690605
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469684192
- PDF
- ISBN 9781469690612
Read an Excerpt
In this compelling narrative of discovery set in Japan’s remote Dewa Sanzan mountain range, Shayne A. P. Dahl describes Shugendō, a secretive religious tradition that combines aspects of Shinto, Buddhism, and mountain worship. As a participant-observer, Dahl invites readers into the practices of contemporary ascetics who see the sacred mountains as wombs within which cycles of life, death, and rebirth can be harnessed for the sake of personal transformation and existential realization. As Dahl argues, immersion in Shugendō provides ascetics and pilgrims with an escape from capitalist modernity and an avenue for self-reflection in the wake of the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster near Fukushima in March 2011.
Immersing readers in the intimate and hidden dimensions of Shugendō, Dahl sheds light on how practitioners sustain their traditions in the face of modern temptations and tensions within their religious communities. Filled with insight into Shugendō’s contribution to Japanese cultural identity, this book offers groundbreaking perspective on the intersections of ecology, disaster, religion, the human condition, and death.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Secret World of Shugendō about?
In this compelling narrative of discovery set in Japan’s remote Dewa Sanzan mountain range, Shayne A. P. Dahl describes Shugendō, a secretive religious tradition that combines aspects of Shinto, Buddhism, and mountain worship. As a participant-observer, Dahl invites readers into the practices of contemporary ascetics who see the sacred mountains as wombs within which cycles of life, death, and rebirth can be harnessed for the sake of personal transformation and existential realization. As Dahl argues, immersion in Shugendō provides ascetics and pilgrims with an escape from capitalist modernity and an avenue for self-reflection in the wake of the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster near Fukushima in March 2011.
Immersing readers in the intimate and hidden dimensions of Shugendō, Dahl sheds light on how practitioners sustain their traditions in the face of modern temptations and tensions within their religious communities. Filled with insight into Shugendō’s contribution to Japanese cultural identity, this book offers groundbreaking perspective on the intersections of ecology, disaster, religion, the human condition, and death.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Secret World of Shugendō?
Philosophy and Religion > Religion and beliefs > Further religions and spiritual beliefs, > East Asian religions and spiritual beliefs
Where can I read a sample of The Secret World of Shugendō?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781469690599
How long is The Secret World of Shugendō and how many pages does it have?
The Secret World of Shugendō has 268 page(s)
Is The Secret World of Shugendō part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Where Religion Lives
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Secret World of Shugendō?
Shayne A. P. Dahl
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Secret World of Shugendō is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781469690599) and paperback(ISBN 9781469690605) and ebook(ISBN 9781469684192) and pdf(ISBN 9781469690612)
Where can I buy The Secret World of Shugendō online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy The Secret World of Shugendō from below
Where can I buy The Secret World of Shugendō?