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Kūkai

Major Works
By Kūkai
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( 89 ratings, 11 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Kukai, also known as Kobo Daishi, was a multifaceted figure who significantly shaped Japanese culture through his work in literature, engineering, calligraphy, and architecture. This book focuses on his pivotal role in introducing esoteric Buddhism from China, which led to the establishment of the Shingon sect in Japan. It features translations of eight of his major works, offering insight into his profound influence.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$7999
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is ideal for readers interested in Japanese culture, religious studies, and historical figures who have influenced art and spirituality, as well as scholars seeking authoritative translations of Kukai's works.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Kūkai, more commonly known by the honorific Kobo Daishi, was one of the great characters in the development of Japanese culture. He was active in literature, engineering, calligraphy, and architecture and is represented in this work in terms of his major effort—the introduction of esoteric Buddhism from China, which resulted in the formation of the Shingou sect still active in Japan.

Eight of his works are presented here.

Series: Translations from the Asian Classics

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  • Kūkai
    Kūkai, more commonly known by the honorific Kobo Daishi, was one of the great characters in the development of Japanese culture. He was active in literature, engineering, calligraphy, and architecture and is represented in this work in terms of his major effort—the introduction of esoteric Buddhism from China, which resulted in the formation of the Shingou sect still active in...
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Choice praises the translations as lively and intelligible, noting Kukai's legendary status and the rarity of accessible versions of his works. World Literature Today highlights the book's dual function as both an accessible introduction for newcomers and a valuable resource for experts, presenting eight major texts in English for the first time.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780231059336

Publisher: Columbia University Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 14 May 1984

Country: United States

Imprint: Columbia University Press

Contributors:

  • Translated by Yoshito Hakeda

Audience: Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Width: 152.0mm

Height: 229.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 303

About the Author

Hakeda was Associate Professor of Japanese in the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures and Associate Professor of Religion at Columbia University. Ryuichi Abe is the Reischauer Institute Professor of Japanese Religions in the Department of Eas Aisan Languages and Cultures at Harvard University.

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