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This seminal work was the first comprehensive study of modern Shinto, the religion of Japan, in both its state and sect forms. It is of particular interest for its account of the evolution of Shinto into a vital political force in the period leading up to World War II. ... Read more

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In an candid and informative account, two French jounralists set out to conduct an objective and unbiased study of the Baha'i Faith, an emerging world religion. Through a series of frank and lively interviews, interspersed with personal observations, they examine who the Baha'i's are and what they believe. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

A fair, but befuddled snapshot of Baha'i's
Most of the "encounters" are with Bahai's who volunteer at the world center in Haifa Israel. This hardly seems like a varied encounter of "5 million". The authors are somewhat confused on some points ofBahai faith, and pass this confusion along. They make no concerted attemptto resolve for the reader. Also, the often poor typesetting makes itunclear if they are quoting someone, or giving their opinions. A betterintroduction to the Bahai's would probably get off your butt and go meetsome...

A fair look at the Baha'i Faith from non-Baha'is
This book is written by two gentle souls who encountered the Baha'i Faith and came away with some profound insights into its community. More based on the believers than specifically on the Writings and teachings of the Faith,this book is an interesting description of the community that joyouslystruggles daily to put the Baha'i teachings and principles into effect. Imust commend the writers for their fair and descriptive look at the Baha'icommunity.

Read this one if you have questions - fair and balanced!
Excellent overview of this interesting new religion from authors with nohidden agendas or axes to grind. Very well done!

Very informative for those on a spiritual search.
I could hardly put this book down reading into the wee hours of the night. Being on my own spiritual search I found some interesting new views to paradigms of faith. I appreciated the honest, candid interviews and sources from which these two reporters did much of the legwork for questions I myself had.Well researched and very readable.

Excellent Book!
I liked this book very much. The authors are not Baha'is and seem to present a balanced impression of the Baha'i Faith. Great if you are trying to learn more about who the Baha'is are... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Poetic and Practical for Lone Peregrinators
The title of this book is perfectly straightforward. It's also a bit misleading, for by "pilgrim" Usui Shiro clearly does not mean Buddhists traveling to a specific temple or circuit of temples for plainly religious motives. When folks such as this do appear, they are depicted third person almost as romantic aspects of the temple landscape rather than cohorts with which the author identifies. This is not a guide for their use. And yet something more than the average casual tourist is obviously intended, judging from Usui's rather dismissive annoyance with the latter. Who are the "pilgrims" for whom this guide is intended, then? It's hard to say exactly, but semi-secular university-educated city-slickers seeking some sort of personal spiritual inspiration from the art, architecture, and scenery of Japan's older Buddhist temples seem to be the implied audience. Cultural pilgrims in the tradition of Watsuji Tetsuro, one might say.

Which probably pretty much approximates the orientation of most English speakers in Japan interested in visiting the forty-six temples in question, making this translation of Usui's Japanese work "Koji Junrei Hitori Tabi" quite useful for such purposes. And this guide is definitely meant to be used practically, including maps and transportation directions as well as visiting information, notes on when and if certain temple buildings are open to the public, and a calendar of major special events. Each temple is the subject of a short, rather impressionistic and sometimes ramblingly diffuse meditative essay by Usui, after which facts about the temple (sect, principle image, when and by whom it was established, and cultural properties) are listed in outline form. Almost all of the temples are located in Kyoto and Nara or thereabouts, Koyasan Kongobuji and Eiheiji being the farthest outliers.

Given the cultural nature of Usui's pilgrimage, references to poets and novelists and their impressions of these temples abound in the essays--including Mori Ogai, Shiga Naoya, Yosano Akiko, Inoue Yasushi, Shiba Ryotaro, Ariyoshi Sawako, and Mishima Yukio, among others. The poems (tanka, apparently) of Aizu Yaichi on the Nara temples are quoted extensively. Less common but equally interesting are reflections by some of the temples' abbots on their institution's significance and aesthetic impact. The founding monks and their Buddhist doctrines get short shrift here with a faux-populist nonchalance that will make even the most easygoing Buddhologist wince, however. Still, that information can be found elsewhere, whereas for actually getting around the great temples of Kyoto and Nara this handy, eminently portable little tome is extremely useful as well as poetically evocative.

P.S. The forty-six temples covered in this book are as follows:
Eastern Kyoto: Myohoin and Sanjusangendo, Sen'yuji, Kiyomizudera, Rokuharamitsuji, Chion-in, Nanzenji, and Zenrinji
Northern Kyoto: Kinkakuji and Ginkakuji, Manshu-in, Sanzen-in, Kuramadera, Daitokuji, and Shokokuji
Western Kyoto: Ninnaji, Myoshinji, Koryuji, Daikakuji, Seiryoji, Tenryuji, Kozanji, and Jingoji
Southern Kyoto: Toji, Hokaiji, Daigoji, Manpukuji, and Byodo-in
Nara: Joruriji, Todaiji, Kofukuji, Shin Yakushiji, Hokkeji, Saidaiji, Toshodaiji, and Yakushiji
The Outskirts of Nara: Horyuji, Taimadera, Hasedera, and Muroji
Other Areas: Kongobuji, Enryakuji, Saikyoji, Miidera, Ishiyamadera, Chikubushima, Hogonji, and Eiheiji ... Read more

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A fascinating study of the rituals and beliefs surrounding ancestor worship and the development of linked households called dozoku in Japan, this volume is informed by Yanagita Kunio's controversial theory that the core of Japanese religious experience is the veneration of ancestors. Unlike many other theorists, Kunio argued that even generally worshipped gods like the god of the New Year and field and mountain gods were all originally ancestral spirits. His book is a comprehensive look at the origins and meaning of ancestor worship in modern Japan. ... Read more

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1935. In 1912 Hepner was ordained and commissioned by the Board of Foreign Missions of The United Synod South as a Missionary to Japan. During his tenure there he acquired an unusual facility both in speaking and reading Japanese. Within a few years, he decided on Shinto as his special field of study and thus began the study that lead to this publication. This volume contains Hepner's dissertation on the Kurozumi Sect, which introduces academic circles of the Occident to the Culture Religion State of Shinto, and makes a valuable contribution in the field of Comparative Religion. ... Read more

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Part of a series, this volume provides an index to the journal articles, essays in collected works, books and monographs, dissertations, commentaries and various encyclopaedia and dictionary articles published about the New Testament Book of Galatians within the 20th century. ... Read more

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When they had finished giving birth to countries, they began afresh giving birth to deities. So the name of the deity they gave birth to was the deity Great-Male-of-the-Great-Thing; next, they gave birth to the deity Rock-Earth-Prince; next, they gave birth to the deity Rock-Nest-Princess; next, they gave birth to the deity Great-Door-Sun-Youth; next, they gave birth to the deity Heavenly-Blowing-Male (Shinto). ... Read more

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These stories about Kurozumi Munetada (1780-1850) show us a spirituality for everyday living. He was a Japanese priest, poet and healer who looked to the needs of all humankind. We see in them Shinto affirmation of life, for he was a healer of both spirit and body. He was a teacher, showing people of all walks of life the Confucian emphasis on sincerity as the principle of true life. The key to both sincerity and health is overcoming egoistic attachment, a basic teaching of the Buddhist side of Japanese culture. Making it all possible is devotion to Amaterasu the Kami of the sun, who entered his life in a moment of ecstatic unity and who may be realized in each moment of anyone's life as the source of happiness and vigor. His ability to show how that is so drew thousands to his side in his lifetime, sparking a movement that continues to this day in the Kurozumikyo Shinto denomination. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Stunning, Simply Stunning.
I read this book after actually staying in the Kurozumi shrine in Okayama. I think my review title say it all... ... Read more

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According to Shinto belief, the human body in Japan is part of nature and must be in harmony with the wider world. This is a cultural history of the human body in Japan - from the Samurai to Issy Miyake- exploring the social codes and aesthetics of behaviour it involves. The sacred body of religion, the body of the dead, the theatrical body of the Kabuki actor, the warrior's body and much more are revealed. ... Read more

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Shinto is the ancient religion of Japan. Indeed, it is one of the oldest religions in the world that is still followed. Over the centuries it has evolved out of the worship of kami, the divine within the world. Shinto has assumed many forms ranging from its origins as a folk religion to its gradual mixture with Buddhism over six centuries, and from its redefining after the Meiji Reformation in the interests of nationalism to the end of World War II, when it again became a more personal choice. As one of the few ancient religions that still thrives, it is of interest to greater circles than Japan specialists, although it remains difficult to understand and even harder to characterize in western terms.Fortunately however, understanding is greatly facilitated by The A to Z of Shinto, which traces its long historical evolution in the book's chronology and carefully considers the religion from different angles in the introduction. The dictionary includes hundreds of cross-referenced entries on significant institutions, concepts, writings, thinkers, and most importantly, the kami. The bibliography provides an outlet for further study. ... Read more

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The Japanese Middle Ages were a period when forms of secrecy dominated religious practice. This fascinating collection traces out the secret characteristics and practices in Japanese religion, as well as analyzing the decline of religious esotericism in Japan.

The essays in this impressive work refer to Esoteric Buddhism as the core of Japan’s "culture of secrecy". Esoteric Buddhism developed in almost all Buddhist countries of Asia, but it was of particular importance in Japan where its impact went far beyond the borders of Buddhism, also affecting Shinto as well as non-religious forms of discourse.

The contributors focus on the impact of Esoteric Buddhism on Japanese culture, and also include comparative chapters on India and China. Whilst concentrating on the Japanese medieval period, this book will give readers familiar with present day Japan, many explanations for the still visible remnants of Japan’s medieval culture of secrecy. 

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This is a book of prophetic declaration to debunk the idolatry and bigotry of the fundamental precepts of the religions based upon belief in the idol known as The God of Abraham, in the hope of freeing mankind from the spiritual blackmail of those religions to recognize God is much greater than the despot described in any of the books of Holy Scripture. ... Read more

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A concise and accessible introduction to the world of Shinto, its development and key principles. Shinto, or "the Way of the Gods", is the indigenous religion of Japan. To understand Japan it is essential to have some knowledge of this faith's history, theology and ritual practices. Shinto explores the sacred texts, persons and spaces as well as beliefs on death and society. Shinto practices now live side by side with Buddhism in Japan, yet Japan has remained distinct. Concepts such as the importance of groups over the individual, as well as customs of cleanliness, offer a fascinating glimpse into this unique culture. ... Read more

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The great achievement of Masaharu Anesaki´s work is to show how Shinto, Buddhism, and Confucianism were molded and combined by the circumstances of the times and the people into a composite whole, so that the Japanese of today are, consciously or unconsciously, followers of a hybrid of several religious traditions. ... Read more

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Forty-one of the best articles of the popular Ancient Ways column in Martial Arts Training magazine are brought together. 150 illustrations, 40 never before published photos. A 6th dan in aikido and 6th dan kyoshi master instructor in iaido, Kensho Furuya is the resident chief instructor of the Aikido Center of Los Angeles. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (33)

A must have book for all serious martial artists.
As all true warriors know, there are two aspects of human combat.The body, which must be forged into hardened steel with intense training, and the mind, which must be fed the proper philosophical food to grow intellectually and spirtually in order win and survive.Unfortunately, many martial artists focus only on the physical aspects of being a warrior.This great book will provide the vital philosophical tools needed to be a complete warrior, so that the mind, spirit and body are in harmony. I was a little amused by some of the criticism of this book and the author. I admit to agreeing with a few of the comments made, but overall, this book will provide the essential nutrients for the mind. The lessons taught in this text are both educational and enlightening.Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Season of the Warrior: a poetic tribute to warriors, Monadnock Defensive Tactics (MDTS) System, Use of the Monadnock Straight Baton, PR-24 Police Baton Advanced Techniques, Never Trust a Politician, Police Yawara Stick Techniques, Pro-Systems Combatives Vol. 1, 2.)

My most read book
Each chapter/article is only a few pages but a lot is contained in each. There are many pictures and illustrations to help convey the current topic. Another feature I like are the quotes in the margin to highlight key aspects of the current topic.

I bought this book in 2002 and among my shelves of martial arts books, it is by far the one I come back to the most often. This book is on how to be the best martial artist and person you can be. The chapters are short but they will spur a lot of contemplation. This book is not meant to be skimmed over. It should be read in small increments and reflected upon. Each time you come back to the book and reread a chapter you will discover new meaning and application to your own training.

Here are a few chapters and quotes:

Learning Is Only the Second Step

The very first step to learning is to become a completely blank slate.

Hard or easy is just in your particular frame of mind. Many people with a lot less than you will accomplish much more than you in their lifetimes. Do not be defeated by a small mind or poor attitude.

You Never Get Good in the Martial Arts

We satisfy ourselves because we settle for less - even when we think we are getting more. Never be satisfied.

Make Mistakes Correctly

Respond to your mistakes correctly. A mistake is only another form of learning

True Learning is Incomplete

We seek knowledge, but when we convince ourselves that we understand that knowledge, the process of learning, training and being sensitive to everything around us ceases.

Cultivate Inner Strength

Please keep in mind that inner strength is not a matter of skill or strength. ... Inner strength is someone trying hard to make a good life for himself and those around him as best as he can.

I hope these few quotes will get you to reflect on your path as a martial artist. There is much more in the book.

Very Detailed and Full of Wisdom
I found Kodo Ancient Ways to be a very interesting book. I really enjoy reading ancient wisdom writings, especially when they are connected to the martial arts or warrior traditions. This book was very enjoyable, but I just didn't find it as useful as I had hoped in furthering my knowledge of martial wisdom. Although it does contain a lot of wisdom for the martial artist, it was not quite what I was looking for.

I do have a lot of respect for Kensho Furuya and have actually quoted him in my book Warrior Wisdom: Ageless Wisdom for the Modern Warrior, but I just was looking for a little more than I found in this book. I recommend it as a good addition to the martial arts library. It is interesting and definitely has some useful information. It is worth reading. It has a very unique format with quotes going down the sides of the pages in a sidebar. Although I usually do not like this type of format, I did find it to be enjoyable in this book. It is obvious that Kensho Furuya understands the both the history and the ways of the martial artist, and he does a great job of conveying this information in his book. Kodo Ancient Ways is also full of interesting photographs that add interest throughout the book. It is definitely worth reading and will make a great addition to any martial arts library.

Bohdi Sanders, author of Warrior Wisdom: The Heart and Soul of Bushido

A Personal Favorite
This is among the very finest books on the martial ways that I have read - and, as someone who periodically engages in too much reading and not enough training, I've read a lot of them.I was led to this particular book through reading the author's daily webcolumn.

Some martial arts books have a lot of rambling or clicheed "filler" in them.On the contrary, these essays are generally very clear and focused, and betray the author's wealth of knowledge and experience.For example, it is very fashionable to speak about zen in martial arts texts, and throw around terms like "mushin".But unlike most of those texts, this book is actually written by someone who is expert in both zen and budo.As a result, the comparisons he makes are far more lucid, interesting, and (in my experience) applicable.

I encourage you to read this book.You will not regret it.

Grateful!
A few well timed books can change your life. Kodo was just such a book for me. I discovered it about six years ago at a time when my training could have gone many different ways. The lessons related by Furuya Sensei in Kodo helped me to reflect on the meaning of my training and find my true martial spirit. I will always be grateful for Kodo and for Furuya Sensei's continued teaching. ... Read more

Product Description
Illustrates the beliefs of Japan's oldest religion, its ceremonies, rituals, and festivals, and its connection with Japannese art, history, Buddhism, and even sumo wrestling. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

It would be hard to imagine Japan without Shinto ...
Examines how the Shinto gods still cooperate with man at every stage of his life, and depicts actual Shinto ceremonies as performed today at births, weddings, rites of passage, festivals, and even sumo wrestling tournaments. Over 70 vivid color photographs take the reader into nature and the city to witness th changeless Shinto spirit. ... Read more