Against Harmony: Progressive and Radical Buddhism in Modern Japan

Against Harmony traces the history of progressive and radical experiments in Japanese Buddhist thought and practice, from the mid-Meiji period through the early Showa. Perhaps the two best representations of progressive Buddhism during this time were the New Buddhist Fellowship (1899-1915) and the Youth League for Revitalizing Buddhism (1931-1936), both non-sectarian, lay movements well-versed in both classical Buddhist texts and Western philosophy and religion. Their work effectively collapsed commonly held distinctions between religion, philosophy, ethics, politics, and economics. Unlike many others of their day, they did not regard the novel forces of modernization as problematic and disruptive, but as opportunities. James Mark Shields examines the intellectual genealogy and alternative visions of progressive and radical Buddhism in the decades leading up to the Pacific War. Exposing the variety in the conceptions and manifestations of progress, reform, and modernity in this period, he outlines their important implications for postwar and contemporary Buddhism in Japan and elsewhere.

Table of Contents:
Introduction Prelude 1 The Many Faces of Meiji Buddhist Enlightenment 2 Unification and Spiritual Activism: Murakami and Manshi 3 Warp & Woof: The New Buddhist Discovery of Society 4 Zen & the Art of Treason: Renegade Priests of Late Meiji 5 Anarcho-Buddhist Utopia: Taisho Tolstoyans 6 Extremes Meet: Radical Buddhists of Early Showa Conclusion Appendices Bibliography Index

About the Author :
James Mark Shields is Associate Professor of Comparative Humanities and Asian Thought at Bucknell University.

Review :
"Although not a lengthy read, the depth and range of the book is remarkable, and it does convincing work in portraying the modern period of Japanese Buddhism in a more nuanced light than the ordinary student of Japanese Buddhism is accustomed to. It is thus highly recommended to those specializing in the history of ideas of modern Japan and, in general, to all students of Buddhist modernism." -- Lehel Balogh, Hokkaido University, Religious Studies Review "a standard reference to a critically important part of Japan's modernizing history that will be required reading for years to come in graduate seminars and upper-division courses." -- John Nelson, Journal of Religion "[Shields] persuasively shows that Buddhists experienced Japanese modernity in multifarious ways. He furthermore proves that many prominent Buddhists had demonstrable commitments to principles that we would regard today as 'leftist.'"--Jolyon Baraka Thomas, JAAR "James Mark Shields has made an important contribution to several fields, including Buddhist Ethics. More often than not, scholarship on Japanese Buddhist ethics focuses on the pre-modern period, especially the writings of the founders of Japanese denominations (such figures as Saicho, Kukai, Honen, Shinran, Eisai, Dogen, and Nichiren). As a result, the richness of Japanese Buddhist ethics since the mid-19th century has been relatively overlooked. In this respect, with Against Harmony Mark Shields has filled a void."--Christopher Ives, Journal of Buddhist Ethics "James Mark Shields's new book provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of Japanese Buddhist modernism by focusing thoughtfully on a fifty-year period lasting from 1885-1935, during which the tradition sought various ways of reforming itself in relation to domestic sociopolitical challenges and the impact of Western influences and ideologies. This exceptionally well-researched and eminently readable volume brings to light many previously overlooked Japanese sources cast in terms of global perspectives."--Steven Heine, author of Chan Rhetoric of Uncertainty in the Blue Cliff Record "In this groundbreaking book Shields offers a rich analysis of progressive and radical Buddhists in the decades leading up to World War Two. His theoretical acumen, firm grasp of modern Japanese history, incisive treatment of Marxist thought, and problematizing of constructs like 'nationalism,' 'fascism,' and 'modernity' will benefit readers far beyond the confines of Buddhist Studies."--Christopher K. Ives, author of Imperial-Way Zen: Ichikawa Hakugen's Critique and Lingering Questions for Buddhist Ethics "The past few years have seen an explosion of insightful research on religion in the 'modern period' (late nineteenth through early twentieth century) in Japan. Against Harmony is an important addition to this re-examination, taking a philosophical approach to how influential Buddhist figuresDLfrom Inoue Enryo to Seno'o GiroDLresponded, philosophically and socially, to the challenges of the modern world."--Paul L. Swanson, editor, Japanese Journal of Religious Studies