Zen At War by Brian Daizen Victoria

The Impact of Buddhism on the Japanese Military

This thought-provoking work delves into the complex relationship between Zen Buddhism and Japanese militarism during the early 20th century, particularly during World War II. It explores how Zen teachings were co-opted to support nationalist and militaristic ideologies, with some Zen leaders endorsing war efforts and justifying violence. The book critically examines the ethical implications of this alignment and challenges the perception of Zen as inherently peaceful, urging a reevaluation of its historical role in the context of war.

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