Gleanings in Buddha-Fields: Studies of Hand and Soul in the Far East

Name: Gleanings in Buddha-Fields: Studies of Hand and Soul in the Far East
Author: Lafcadio Hearn

By Lafcadio Hearn

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Essays, Letters & Speeches Religion/Spirituality Travel Writing

About This Book

This collection of essays and sketches records travelers' impressions of temples, shrines, festivals, folk songs, and visual art encountered in the Far East, blending architectural description with cultural observation. The pieces move between close studies of ritual spaces and religious ideas—Shinto and Buddhist practices, allusion, notions of rebirth and nirvana—and lively travel notes of cities, processions, and local performers. Poetic translations and commentary on popular songs and theatre illustrate how private feeling and public ceremony intertwine, while reflections on craft, faces, and objects emphasize the relationship between handwork and spiritual life. Tone alternates between attentive ethnography and evocative literary meditation.

About the Author

Lafcadio Hearn

Lafcadio Hearn (1850-1904) was a writer and journalist known for his profound exploration of Japanese culture and folklore. Born in Greece and raised in Ireland, he later moved to the United States before settling in Japan, where he became a naturalized citizen. Hearn's works often reflect his fascination with the spiritual and mystical aspects of Japanese life. His notable books include "Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan," which offers insights into the country's traditions and customs, and "In Ghostly Japan," a collection of essays on Japanese ghost stories and supernatural themes. Hearn's unique perspective has contributed significantly to the understanding of Japan in the West.