A specialist in modern Japanese intellectual history, Cunmingham (history, Gonzaga U., Washington) introduces students to the history and concept of Zen, the defining characteristic of Japanese Buddhism. He considers what Zen is, the Buddha's own Zen, the Chan sect in China, the scriptural origins of emptiness, Zen comes to Japan, Muramachi: the apex of Zen warrior culture, Zen's challenge to the modern world, and from Dharma Bums to Punk Zen. There is no index. Annotation 2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
