Buddhism and Medicine in Japan

This insightful work delves into the connections between healing practices and Buddhism in Japan, revealing a rich, complex relationship that merits further exploration.

This book explores the intricate relationship between medicine and Buddhism during early and medieval Japan. At first glance, one might find it challenging to connect Japanese Buddhism with medical practices, as religious healing is often perceived as solely reliant on divine intervention. However, the author highlights a significant gap in scholarship regarding the medicinal practices within Japanese Buddhism, despite the abundance of primary sources that reveal a different narrative.

Through a meticulous re-examination of well-known texts from a religious studies perspective, alongside a fresh exploration of lesser-known manuscripts and prints, Buddhism and Medicine in Japan sheds light on an often-overlooked area of study. The book provides a topical survey that includes chapters dedicated to various aspects of health, such as treatments for sight-related ailments, women's health issues, the use of plant-based materia medica, and the significance of medicinal gardens, as well as veterinary knowledge concerning horse medicine.

Additionally, the author addresses the terminological challenges faced when discussing this material, particularly in distinguishing between 'religious' or 'magical healing' and 'secular medicine.' By advocating for a focus on the pluralistic nature of the Japanese healing system as depicted in primary sources, the book encourages a re-evaluation of the categories derived from European intellectual traditions, fostering a more nuanced understanding of the intersection between Buddhism and medicine in historical Japan.