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Gleanings in Buddha Fields, by Lafcadio Hearn
Journey into the mystical heart of old Japan with Lafcadio Hearn’s Gleanings in Buddha-Fields. In 1890, Hearn, who would eventually become the Japanese citizen Koizumi Yakumo, penetrated the hidden world of Buddhist meditation and Shinto mystery unlike any Westerner before him. This collection of eleven masterful essays serves as a portal to a vanished era, blending philosophical truths with authentic ghost stories and the "songs of common people." Beyond a mere travelogue, Hearn reveals the living heart of Asian contemplative practices, offering insights on nature, interdependence, and the cycle of rebirth that remain vital for the modern reader. Perfect for fans of Alan Watts and D.T. Suzuki, this volume captures the delicate intersection of Japanese art and spirituality through the eyes of its most eloquent chronicler.
Journey into the mystical heart of old Japan through the eyes of its most beloved foreign chronicler: Lafcadio Hearn.
In 1890, an extraordinary outsider penetrated the hidden world of Buddhist meditation and Shinto mysteries that lay behind Japan's temple walls. Lafcadio Hearn, who would later become the Japanese citizen Koizumi Yakumo, discovered a land where ancient spirits still walked, where philosophical truths merged with ghost stories, and where the boundaries between the physical and spiritual worlds grew thin.
Now, Gleanings in Buddha-Fields emerges as more than just a book about Japan: it's a portal into a vanished world of profound spiritual wisdom and otherworldly beauty.
Through eleven masterfully crafted essays, Hearn reveals the secrets of temple gardens where every stone holds meaning, explores the depths of Buddhist philosophy through the songs of common people, and uncovers the living heart of Asian meditation practices that are transforming Western minds today.
As you journey through these pages, you'll discover:
Ancient Buddhist meditation techniques highly relevant in our digital age
The hidden connection between Shinto beliefs and modern Japanese life
Authentic ghost stories that reveal deeper spiritual truths
The deep connection between Japanese art, nature, and spirituality
Philosophical insight into interdependence and the cycle of birth, death and rebirth
This collection is essential reading for:
Readers of Alan Watts, D.T. Suzuki, and those interested in Buddhist studies
Anyone fascinated by Japanese culture, religion, or history
Travelers who want insight into a transformative period in Japanese history
Writers and artists interested in masterful cultural interpretation
Students of comparative religion and philosophy, seeking to understand everyday life
Anyone interested in mindfulness and contemplative practices
“The marvellous way in which Hearn has recognized and expressed the delicate emotions places him far above all other writers on the subject." Edward Morse, noted Japanologist