Kaiten Nukariya's seminal work, 'The Religion of the Samurai,' carefully examines the intricate connections between Zen Buddhism and the martial ethos of the samurai. Published in 1913, in the twilight of the Meiji era, it encapsulates Nukariya's discourse on why Zen's emphasis on discipline and direct experience made it an ideal companion for the samurai class. The book is a profound exploration into the philosophical commonalities between Zen principles and the samurai way of life, arguing persuasively that Zen's liberation from antiquated dogma provided fertile grounds for the samurai's spiritual cultivation. Its literary style combines scholarly rigor with an accessible narrative, situating the work within the intellectual milieu of early 20th-century religious studies, yet transcending its time through the universality of its insights. Kaiten Nukariya was a professor of philosophy at Keio University and an authority on Zen Buddhism, deeply immersed in the culture and traditions of Japan. His own background and intellectual leaning undoubtedly shaped his insights into the synergy between Zen and the samurai ethos. Nukariya's extensive knowledge allowed him to draw rich historical connections and provide a thorough analysis of the samurai's religious foundations, elucidating a nuanced perspective on the religious dimensions of this storied warrior class. 'The Religion of the Samurai' provides invaluable content for scholars, students of religion, and those intrigued by the philosophical underpinnings of martial cultures. Nukariya's treatise invites readers on an exploratory journey that's as much about the discovery of self as it is about understanding an ancient tradition's religious architecture. His documentation of Zen as a living, breathing practice, liberated from the confines of dogmatic prescription, echoes with relevance to contemporary spiritual seekers and historians alike, making this book a timeless addition to the study of religion and culture.
