Buddhist Materiality: A Cultural History of Objects in Japanese Buddhism / Edition 1

by Fabio Rambelli

Overview

Throughout its history, Buddhism has developed a sophisticated philosophy of materiality, addressing the status of material objects and their role in the quest for salvation. This is an innovative book that addresses the ways in which Buddhism has conceived of, and dealt with, material objects ranging from the environment to everyday tools, ritual implements, icons, and sacred texts. Contrary to received assumptions, careful reading of original sources and study of ritual practices show that in Buddhism the realm of materiality is not simply an obstacle for spiritual pursuits but also a space for interplay in which human beings can give shape and expression to their deepest religious and spiritual ideas.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780804756822
Publisher:	Stanford University Press
Publication date:	11/15/2007
Series:	Asian Religions and Cultures
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	408
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.25(h) x (d)

About the Author

Fabio Rambelli is Professor of Japanese Religions and Cultural History and International Shinto Foundation Chair of Shinto Studies in the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultural Studies Department of Religious Studies, University of California, Santa Barbara.

Table of Contents

Illustrations     ix
Acknowledgment     xi
Abbreviations and Conventions     xiii
Introduction     1
The Buddhist Philosophy of Objects and the Status of Inanimate Entities     11
The Buddhist System of Objects     58
Materiality and Performativity of Sacred Texts     88
The Cultural Imagination of Trees and the Environment     129
Tools and Labor as Mediators Between the Sacred and the Profane     172
Objects, Rituals, Tradition: Memorial Services (Kuyo) for Inanimate Objects     211
Buddhist Sacred Commodities and the General Economy     259
Notes     275
Bibliography     325
Index     373

Editorial Reviews

"...the reader's effort will be amply rewarded with insightful analysis of fascinating materials that have yet to receive much scholarly attention. Specialists in Buddhist studies, Japanese religions, and material culture will likely get the most out of this book, but I would also enthusiastically recommend it to anyone interested in closely documented and theoretically sophisticated examination of the interrelations between religion, culture, society, politics, and the material objects that populate people's lives."—Stuart H. Young, Religious Studies Review

"Rambelli has written an altogether seminal study of East Asian Buddhist material culture and its importance to especially Japan's social worlds. This is the stuff of life, and Rambelli handles it expertly."—Pamela Winfield, H-Net Reviews.

"The broad and ambitious scope of this study warrants praise...This is an extraordinary volume whose impact will be felt for some time."—James L. Ford, Journal of Japanese Studies.

"Rambelli's Buddhist Materiality will exert long-lasting influence in a number of fields, including Buddhist studies, Japanese religions, Japanese history, and material culture studies."—Lori Meeks, The Journal of Religion

"Buddhist Materiality, a powerful study in seven chapters....[The book] represents a provocative and important contribution to the field of Japanese studies, Buddhist studies and material religion."—Barbara Ambros, Material Religion.

"Rambelli displays considerable erudition, shows great familiarity with primary texts, and presents much material not otherwise available to readers of English. Especially valuable are his discussions of the Japanese understandings of 'nature' (which term he unpacks at length), myths and rituals that sacralize tools and professions, and rituals of thanking (and retiring) tools. More particularly, the author argues convincingly that the Buddhist origins of such attitudes and practices have been undervalued by past scholarship." —CHOICE

"Rambelli's book offers us new lenses to see what had been hidden in plain sight." —Monumenta Nipponica

From the Publisher

"Rambelli displays considerable erudition, shows great familiarity with primary texts, and presents much material not otherwise available to readers of English. Especially valuable are his discussions of the Japanese understandings of 'nature' (which term he unpacks at length), myths and rituals that sacralize tools and professions, and rituals of thanking (and retiring) tools. More particularly, the author argues convincingly that the Buddhist origins of such attitudes and practices have been undervalued by past scholarship."

CHOICE

"Rambelli's book offers us new lenses to see what had been hidden in plain sight."

Monumenta Nipponica

"The broad and ambitious scope of this study warrants praise...This is an extraordinary volume whose impact will be felt for some time."

Journal of Japanese Studies. - James L. Ford

"...the reader's effort will be amply rewarded with insightful analysis of fascinating materials that have yet to receive much scholarly attention. Specialists in Buddhist studies, Japanese religions, and material culture will likely get the most out of this book, but I would also enthusiastically recommend it to anyone interested in closely documented and theoretically sophisticated examination of the interrelations between religion, culture, society, politics, and the material objects that populate people's lives."

Religious Studies Review - Stuart H. Young

"Rambelli's Buddhist Materiality will exert long-lasting influence in a number of fields, including Buddhist studies, Japanese religions, Japanese history, and material culture studies."

The Journal of Religion - Lori Meeks

"Buddhist Materiality, a powerful study in seven chapters....[The book] represents a provocative and important contribution to the field of Japanese studies, Buddhist studies and material religion."

Material Religion. - Barbara Ambros

"Rambelli has written an altogether seminal study of East Asian Buddhist material culture and its importance to especially Japan's social worlds. This is the stuff of life, and Rambelli handles it expertly."

H-Net Reviews. - Pamela Winfield