{"product_id":"experimental-buddhism-john-k-nelson-9780824838331","title":"Experimental Buddhism: Innovation and Activism in Contemporary Japan","description":"\u003cp\u003eBased on ethnographic fieldwork and archival research, it is one of the first studies to give readers a sense of what is happening on the front lines as a growing number of Buddhist priests try to reboot their roles and traditions to gain greater significance in Japanese society. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eThe book profiles innovative as well as controversial responses to the challenges facing Buddhist priests. From traditional activities (conducting memorial rituals; supporting residences for the elderly and infirm; providing relief for victims of natural disasters) to more creative ones (collaborating in suicide prevention efforts; holding symposia and concerts on temple precincts; speaking out against nuclear power following Japan's 2011 earthquake; opening caf駸, storefront temples, and pubs; even staging fashion shows with priests on the runway), more progressive members of Japan's Buddhist clergy are trying to navigate a path leading towards renewed relevance in society. An additional challenge is to avoid alienating older patrons while trying to attract younger ones vital to the future of their temples. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eThe work's central theme of \"experimental Buddhism\"provides a fresh perspective to understand how priests and other individuals employ Buddhist traditions in selective and pragmatic ways. Using these inventive approaches during a time of crisis and transition for Japanese temple Buddhism, priests and practitioners from all denominations seek solutions that not only can revitalize their religious traditions but also influence society and their fellow citizens in positive ways.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/b\u003e John K. Nelson\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN-10:\u003c\/b\u003e 0824838335\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN-13:\u003c\/b\u003e 9780824838331\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e University of Hawaii Press\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eLanguage:\u003c\/b\u003e English\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 10\/31\/2013\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 320\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eFormat:\u003c\/b\u003e Hardcover\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 1.33lbs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSize:\u003c\/b\u003e 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.88d\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eReview Citation(s): \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eChronicle of Higher Education\u003c\/i\u003e 01\/10\/2014 pg. 19","brand":"John K. Nelson","offers":[{"title":"Hardcover","offer_id":43926570631423,"sku":"9780824838331","price":42.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0662\/2982\/9887\/products\/img_6406deaf-1c6a-4a7f-aeb1-e47ad4172516.jpg?v=1681083809","url":"https:\/\/www.whiterainbookhouse.com\/products\/experimental-buddhism-john-k-nelson-9780824838331","provider":"WR Book House","version":"1.0","type":"link"}