The Karma of Words: Buddhism and the Literary Arts in Medieval Japan

by William R. LaFleur

"A masterly book . . . will prove of great assistance to a student of Japanese literature and thought from the eleventh century onwards."--Times Literary Supplement
 "A major contribution to the fields of Japanese studies, comparative literature, and history of religions . . . a book that begs for classroom use."--The Eastern Buddhist
 "Innovative and provocative . . . will be of interest not only to specialists in Japanese religion and Japanese culture, but also to literary critics and cultural historians."--Religious Studies Review
 "Rich and stimulating material . . . an important help and influence to all concerned with understanding the tradition that has shaped Japanese culture and religion."--History of Religions
 "Thought provoking, finely written . . . one of the more original and creative contributions to the study of medieval culture and religion to be produced by a Western scholar. . . . Can be read with profit by all Western students of Japanese culture . . . one of those rare books that has something to offer Japanese specialists in medieval studies."--Journal of Japanese Studies
 "A very important contribution to Japanese studies . . . a paradigm of the genre."--Pacific Affairs
 "This is an exciting, ground-breaking book."--Chanoyu Quarterly
 "I have been most impressed and even excited by what I have read."--Donald Keene, Professor Emeritus and Shincho Professor Emeritus of Japanese Literature at Columbia University "This is one of the most important books in Japanese studies in a long time and will influence the entire field."--Robert Bellah, former Elliott Professor of Sociology, Professor Emeritus at the University of California, Berkeley

Genres: Nonfiction, Literature, Buddhism, Philosophy, Japan, Art, Religion

232 pages, Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 1983

Reviews

[Laurie Zolas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought the "The Karma of Words" hoping that it would shed light on how to include Buddhist themes in fiction. It didn't answer to that, but it did enhance my understanding of Buddhism, especially Mahayana Buddhism and how it influenced medieval Japan. The literature in medieval Japan pre-supposed an audience with Buddhist understandings. It was very scholarly and difficult to read, but well worth the effort. The chapters on drama were especially interesting.

[Jj Mok · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very insightful read into how elements of Buddhist philosophy then can be identified in post medieval Japanese poetry and drama, giving us hints as to the attitude and intention of the poets when creating such art.

[Othy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really magnificent book. I'm not sure how much these ideas have changed or developed in the past forty years, but they seem good from my (limited) perspective.

[Pyr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting and not as hard to read for someone with minimal knowledge of Buddhism as I thought it would be.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear & lucid with a candor and depth of thought not often encountered in academic literature...