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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.