About the book
Japanese Buddhism was introduced to a wide Western audience when a delegation of Buddhist priests attended the World’s Parliament of Religions, part of the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago. In describing and analyzing this event, Judith Snodgrass challenges the predominant view of Orientalism as a one-way process by which Asian cultures are understood strictly through Western ideas. Restoring agency to the Buddhists themselves, she shows how they helped reformulate Buddhism as a modern world religion with specific appeal to the West while simultaneously reclaiming authority for the tradition within a rapidly changing Japan.
Snodgrass explains how the Buddhism presented in Chicago was shaped by the institutional, social, and political imperatives of the Meiji Buddhist revival movement in Japan and was further determined by the Parliament itself, which, despite its rhetoric of fostering universal brotherhood and international goodwill, was thoroughly permeated with confidence in the superiority of American Protestantism. Additionally, in the context of Japan’s intensive diplomatic campaign to renegotiate its treaties with Western nations, the nature of Japanese religion was not simply a religious issue, Snodgrass argues, but an integral part of Japan’s bid for acceptance by the international community.
Editions of Presenting Japanese Buddhism to the West
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807827857
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780807854587
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807863190
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890877482
Read an Excerpt
Japanese Buddhism was introduced to a wide Western audience when a delegation of Buddhist priests attended the World’s Parliament of Religions, part of the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago. In describing and analyzing this event, Judith Snodgrass challenges the predominant view of Orientalism as a one-way process by which Asian cultures are understood strictly through Western ideas. Restoring agency to the Buddhists themselves, she shows how they helped reformulate Buddhism as a modern world religion with specific appeal to the West while simultaneously reclaiming authority for the tradition within a rapidly changing Japan.
Snodgrass explains how the Buddhism presented in Chicago was shaped by the institutional, social, and political imperatives of the Meiji Buddhist revival movement in Japan and was further determined by the Parliament itself, which, despite its rhetoric of fostering universal brotherhood and international goodwill, was thoroughly permeated with confidence in the superiority of American Protestantism. Additionally, in the context of Japan’s intensive diplomatic campaign to renegotiate its treaties with Western nations, the nature of Japanese religion was not simply a religious issue, Snodgrass argues, but an integral part of Japan’s bid for acceptance by the international community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Presenting Japanese Buddhism to the West about?
Japanese Buddhism was introduced to a wide Western audience when a delegation of Buddhist priests attended the World’s Parliament of Religions, part of the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago. In describing and analyzing this event, Judith Snodgrass challenges the predominant view of Orientalism as a one-way process by which Asian cultures are understood strictly through Western ideas. Restoring agency to the Buddhists themselves, she shows how they helped reformulate Buddhism as a modern world religion with specific appeal to the West while simultaneously reclaiming authority for the tradition within a rapidly changing Japan.
Snodgrass explains how the Buddhism presented in Chicago was shaped by the institutional, social, and political imperatives of the Meiji Buddhist revival movement in Japan and was further determined by the Parliament itself, which, despite its rhetoric of fostering universal brotherhood and international goodwill, was thoroughly permeated with confidence in the superiority of American Protestantism. Additionally, in the context of Japan’s intensive diplomatic campaign to renegotiate its treaties with Western nations, the nature of Japanese religion was not simply a religious issue, Snodgrass argues, but an integral part of Japan’s bid for acceptance by the international community.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Presenting Japanese Buddhism to the West?
Philosophy and Religion > Religion and beliefs > Buddhism
Where can I read a sample of Presenting Japanese Buddhism to the West?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807827857
How long is Presenting Japanese Buddhism to the West and how many pages does it have?
Presenting Japanese Buddhism to the West has 368 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Presenting Japanese Buddhism to the West?
Judith Snodgrass
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Presenting Japanese Buddhism to the West is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807827857) and paperback(ISBN 9780807854587) and ebook(ISBN 9780807863190) and pdf(ISBN 9798890877482)
Where can I buy Presenting Japanese Buddhism to the West online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Presenting Japanese Buddhism to the West from below
Where can I buy Presenting Japanese Buddhism to the West?