From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Ryuichi Abé. Professor of Japanese religions and Buddhism of East Asia at Columbia University. Recipient of the Philip and Ruth Hettleman Award for distinguished teaching
Professor Abé, through his teaching and books, has made an important contribution to the Western understanding of Japanese Buddhism. His book on Kukai underscores Kukai’s impact on 9th century Japanese society. At a time when Confucian discourse dominated Japan, Kukai developed a “voice” for Buddhism. He has also written about Ryokan, and Saicho.
Books
- The Weaving of Mantra : Kūkai and the Construction of Esoteric Buddhist Discourse. 1999.
- Great Fool: Zen Master Ryokan: Poems, Letters, and Other Writings (with Peter Haskel). 1996.
- Saicho and Kukai: A Conflict of Interpretations.
