A landmark collection of essays by Paul Groner, one of the leading authorities on Tendai Buddhism, that examines the medieval Tendai School, which dominated Japanese Buddhism at that time, to uncover the differences in understanding and interpreting monastic precepts and ordinations.
What is Buddhist meditation? What is going on - and what should be going on - behind the closed or lowered eyelids of the Buddha or Buddhist adept seated in meditation? And in what ways and to what ends have the answers to these questions mattered for Buddhists themselves? Focusing on early medieval China, this book takes up these questions.
Focusing on the historical and contemporary contributions of Korean Buddhist nuns and laywomen, this work delves into their roles from the Koryo period to the present day. It examines the evolution of their status, practices, and influence within Korean Buddhism, highlighting their significance in both spiritual and societal contexts. Through a detailed analysis, the book sheds light on the often-overlooked narratives of these women, offering insights into their resilience and impact on religious and cultural landscapes.
An account of day-to-day Zen monastic practice. In discussing the activities of the postulants, the meditation monks, the teachers and administrators, and the support monks of the monastery of Songgwang-sa, it reveals a religious tradition that differs radically from the stereotype prevalent in the West.