From Chinese Chan to Japanese Zen A Remarkable Century of Transmission and Transformation

From Chinese Chan to Japanese Zen investigates the remarkable century that lasted from 1225 to 1325, during which the transformation of the Chinese Chan school of Buddhism into the Japanese Zen sect was successfully completed. Steven Heine reveals how this school of Buddhism, which started half a millennium earlier as a mystical utopian cult for reclusive monks, gained a broad following among influential lay followers in both China and Japan.

Steven Heine is Professor of Religious Studies and History at Florida International University and author and editor of numerous OUP titles, including Dogen:Textual and Historical Studies.

Table of Contents
Preface

Part One. Transnational Studies of Maritime Transfers
1. Traditions: Shifts in East Asian Society Affecting the Formation and Reception of Zen
2. Transitions: Social Influences on Zen's Legend of Living Buddhas

Part Two. Troubling At First, Then Turning Into the Establishment
3. Transmissions: When Dogen Attained Enlightenment in China in 1225
4. Transplantations: How Émigré Monks Overcame Mid-Century Challenges
5. Transformations: Why Daito Did Not Go to China, Yet Won a Debate in 1325

Part Three. Techniques for Attaining and Maintaining Enlightenment
6. Teachers: Testing the Authenticity and Authority of Zen Masters
7. Temples: Training Disciples While Mitigating Transgressions
8. Tones: Triggering Spirituality Through Literary and Fine Arts

Glossary of Names, Titles, and Terms
Recommended Readings