The Heart of the Warrior - Origins and Religious Background of the Samurai System in Feudal Japan (Paperback)

This book traces the development of the samurai, in the way they regarded themselves and their role in society. From their origins as provincial men-at-arms they gradually evolved into a very powerful group who had an almost mythical status. Their concept of chilvarous behaviour and strict code based on the central principle of loyality to death and beyond, hitherto largely ignored by scholars, has since earned them a worldwide appeal. The warrior ethic is examined in relation to the three traditional religious influences - Buddhism, Shinto and Confucianism. As warriors the "bushi" contravened the most important tenets of the main religions, that of taking life, which was strictly forbidden in both Buddhism and Shinto. Therefore ways had to be found to justify their actions to harmonize with these religions. The book analyses the attitudes of the samurai themselves towards such characteristic features of their life as the sword and sword-fighting techniques, the taking of heads of fallen enemies on the battlefield, honourable suicide ("seppuku") and human sacrifice ("junshi" and hito-bashira") the cult of the god of war, hachiman, and of Buddhist deities of warlike aspect, as well

General

Imprint:	RoutledgeCurzon
Country of origin:	United Kingdom
Release date:	1995
First published:	1994
Authors:	Catharina Blomberg
Dimensions:	234 x 156 x 19mm (L x W x T)
Format:	Paperback
Pages:	240
ISBN-13:	978-1-873410-13-4
Categories:	Books > Humanities > History > History of specific subjects > Social & cultural history Books > Social sciences > Sociology, social studies > Social groups & communities > Social classes > General Books > Humanities > Religion & beliefs > Non-Christian religions > Religions of Indic & Oriental origin > Buddhism > General Books > Humanities > Religion & beliefs > Non-Christian religions > Religions of Indic & Oriental origin > Oriental religions > Confucianism Books > Humanities > Religion & beliefs > Non-Christian religions > Religions of Indic & Oriental origin > Oriental religions > Shintoism Books > History > History of specific subjects > Social & cultural history Books > Religion & Spirituality > Non-Christian religions > Religions of Indic & Oriental origin > Buddhism > General Books > Religion & Spirituality > Non-Christian religions > Religions of Indic & Oriental origin > Oriental religions > Confucianism Books > Religion & Spirituality > Non-Christian religions > Religions of Indic & Oriental origin > Oriental religions > Shintoism Promotions
LSN:	1-873410-13-1
Barcode:	9781873410134

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