Zen Buddhism, A History: Japan

by Heinrich Dumoulin

In this second volume of his classic history Dumoulin turns his attention to the development of Zen in Japan.

Genres: Buddhism, Zen, History, Japan, Nonfiction, Religion, Philosophy

520 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

Reviews

[Jesse Morrow · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the second volume of his master work. Dumoulin continues his excellent - if limited - history of Zen.

From the coming of Ch'an from China until D.T. Suzuki moves to the US, this work follows Zen in Japan. We get to follow both the Soto and Renzai schools during Zen's heydey in the Kamakura period. And we follow its reaction and reformation during the NeoConfucian Edo Period. And finally how Zen was able to survive and help create national foundations in the Shinto driven Meiji period.

With full 50 page chapters on both Dogen and Haikun, the great masters are well covered. At times it does slip into almost begat-ness as he tries to get all the masters in. However, overall it maintains its interest overall and even more than the first volume, connects with the context of overall Japanese history.

Victor Sogen Hori's introduction is keen to point out that one critique of Dumoulin is that he passes Zen tradition as history. And, while that is a valid criticism, it does little to detract from the work. One can use the work to understand how Zen practitioners understand their own history. There could be validity in using this book (and Vol 1 on India and China) as a jumping off point for Zen.

[Nash · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is part II of the 2-part series of history of Zen. Part one is on India and China. But after looking wearily at more than 500 pages for each volume, I delved right on volume 2 first and let volume 1 sits prettily on my non-virtual bookshelf for the time being! heh-heh! The book delivers what it says: history. It is really, really well-documented and covers not only the introduction of Zen in Japan, but also all the major schools, the lineage, Zen in Japanese culture, and also talks about how it developed through diffirent historical periods. Certain leading figures are also discussed. Admittedly, I don't expect to read *every* word in this book! At least not after I graduate, whenever it would be! I think I'd just go right to the Rinzai Zen part because they are the warrior zen and may be perhaps look up some important figures. I may also spend time lingering on the Kamakura and Muromachi period, which I think may yield some interesting development, if my hypothesis is right. What is my hypothesis? You have to read my dissertation for that! hee hee hee

[Rick · Rating 3 out of 5]

A slog. A better editor would have reduced this book's repetition and simplified its chaotic structure.

[Bob · Rating 2 out of 5]

It has its moments, but I rarely felt that I was getting much more than a catalog of lineage with some interspersed storylines. It's a vast field, covering 1000+ years, and I left the book with a sense of the deep inculcation of Zen thinking into Japanese culture and how it got there. I know more about the practice I follow as well as the variety of thinking about Zen that has arisen over time. This is a better book than Volume I, which simply lacked any sense of organization other than a basic sort of historical timeline.

The test for me is whether I will retain the physical volume for my personal library, and I think I probably will for both this and Volume I, but it is a close call.

[Belle Meade School]

294.392709

[Jessica Zu · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume on Japanese Chan is again very old and traditional, needs more make up from the newly discovered materials. But overall, it is a good book to start with for those who are interested in Jp Chan history. I personally did not spend much time on this book because the writing is a bit too dry and I am not motivated enough to learn JP Chan history:)

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Exceptionally informative, but it is an academic account.

[Troy Couillard · Rating 5 out of 5]

In spite of some recognized biases & inaccuracies I think it is still an excellent resource for this history. Very accessible and readable.