The eccentric Bankei has long been an underground hero in the world of Zen. At a time when Zen was becoming overly formalized in Japan, he stressed its relevance to everyday life, insisting on the importance of naturalness and spontaneity.

Kukai, more commonly known by the honorific Kobo Daishi, was one of the great characters in the development of Janpanese culture. He was active in literature, engineering, calligraphy, and architecture and is represented in this work in terms of his major effort--the introduction of esoteric Buddhism from China, which resulted in the formation of the Shingou sect still active in Japan. Eight of his works are presented here.

"Whenever I have questions on Mahayana Buddhist doctrine, I return to this text and Professor Hakeda's interpretation of it. I wonder if I will ever encounter a work that is at once more profound, attractive, and mysterious than the "Awakening of Faith,"" -- Ryuichi AbA(c), from the introduction

First published in 1967, Yoshito S. Hakeda's critical interpretation of the "Awakening of Faith" has become a classic. This edition, which includes a new introduction by Ryuichi AbA(c), presents a beautiful and accessible translation of one of the most influential works in Mahayana Buddhism. The "Awakening of Faith" explores the path leading to enlightenment and teaches the principles and methods of meditation. However, the text does not advocate a passive retreat into the quietude of meditation; instead it calls for dynamic social engagement based on compassion and wisdom. Philosophical and religious in its approach, the "Awakening of Faith" provides a comprehensive summary of the essentials of Mahayana Buddhism.

The "Awakening of Faith," commonly attributed to Asvaghosha, has been read and studied for more than a thousand years. Hakeda's interpretive comments, which have influenced a generation of scholars and readers, illuminate and explain the work and its more esoteric elements. Ryuichi AbA(c)'s introduction examines the importance of Hakeda's translation as well as the place of the "Awakening of Faith" within Buddhism. In this reprint edition, Chinese terms are rendered in Pinyin romanization. Also new to this edition are a Chinese character glossary and a vastly expanded index, which identify and cross-reference both major and minor theoretical terms and concepts throughout thework.