The Religion of the Samurai : Study of Zen Philosophy and Discipline in China and Japan

The Religion of the Samurai is a study of Zen philosophy in China and Japan. Starting with the history of Buddhism, the book offers a historical perspective of the two main currents of Zen: the Rinzei and the Soto traditions. Exploring the relationship between Zen Buddhism and Samurais and the whole Bushido philosophy the author builds up the difference between Himayanism and Mahayanism, with the different approaches they have as a whole. The book highlights the parallels between a Zen Monk and a Samurai warrior revealing the different understanding of Buddhism in China and Japan.