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

"The Religion of the Samurai" by Kaiten Nukariya is a detailed exploration of Zen Buddhism and its code of discipline in both China and Japan. The book, written in the early 1900s, looks at the history and core beliefs of Zen Buddhism, with special attention to how it affected the samurai and Japanese culture as a whole. The book explains the connection between Zen ideas and Japanese values, showing how these spiritual ideas formed the moral rules of the samurai. It starts by introducing Buddhism, explaining the differences between the Hinayana and Mahayana schools and declaring its goal to explain the Mahayana perspective on life and to give insight into spiritual practices in Japan at the time. It gives special focus to the Zen branch, emphasizing its historical importance and unique qualities and makes hints towards important figures and leaders, building a base for understanding how Zen thought changed and how it was used in Japanese society.