Living Buddhist Statues in Early Medieval and Modern Japan [Hardcover]

A study of the surprising functions of Buddhist statues, which helped disseminate Buddhist beliefs among the populace in Tenth- and Eleventh-century Japan. Using ethnographic data drawn from present-day fieldwork and marshalling ancient textual evidence, Horton reveals the historical origins and development of modern Japanese beliefs and practices.Introduction: Living Buddhist Statues Sakamuni: Alive in this World Connected to Amida Kannon: Whatever it Takes Jizo to the Rescue Secret Buddhas, the Veiled Presence

This is an excellent cross-disciplinary study that makes a valuable contribution to Japanese Buddhist studies - one that serious scholars in this field should read... Highly recommended. - CHOICE [T]he book's emphasis on contemporary practices and attitudes, its focus on some of the little-studied texts that underlie these things, and its attention to a wide range of icons are fresh and welcome approaches; the medieval rituals and the miraculous stories Horton presents about Buddhist images are valuable documents. - Fabio Rambelli, Sapporo University

SARAH J. HORTON is Assistant Professor in the Department of Religious Studies, Macalester College, USA.