The Karma of Words

Buddhism and the Literary Arts in Medieval Japan

William R. LaFleur

• Publisher: University of California Press
• Year: 2023
• ISBN:
  9780520342675
• Edition: 1
• Topic: History
• Subtopic: European Medieval History
• Index: History

"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