Gudo Nishijima Roshi: Japanese Buddhism in World War II

Gudo Nishijima Roshi gives his opinion about Japanese Buddhism and its support of the war effort during World War II. He agrees with Brian Victoria, author of "Zen at War," that many Japanese Buddhists supported Japan's nationalism during the war. But he strongly denies Victoria's assertion that his teacher Kodo Sawaki was among them. The exaggerations that Nishijima Roshi refers to here are given in great detail on this webpage: http://antaiji.dogen-zen.de/eng/200801.shtml

To me, the most telling of these is when Victoria quotes Sawaki as saying, "We gorged ourselves on killing" when Sawaki served in the Japanese Army during the Russo-Japanese war. The phrase Sawaki actually used was "hara ippai." In my eleven years in Japan I never once heard anyone use the phrase "hara ippai" (literally: full stomach) in a positive context unless perhaps when speaking of actual eating. When used metaphorically as Sawaki was clearly doing it means "fed up." The quote should have been rendered "We got fed up with killing."

Other quotations that Victoria used to demonstrate Sawaki's supposed war-mongering are equally dubiously translated. Conversely, one can find many other quotations by Sawaki from outside Victoria's book in which he clearly denounces war.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• zen
• buddhism
• buddha
• world war ii
• Japan
• nationalism
• kodo sawaki
• brad warner
• hardcore zen

[OregonBuddhist]

It was so interesting to read that the Soka Gakkai opposed Japanese involvement in the war.

[daophos]

@chekkybulczech Christianity has been criticized and should be criticized because Christian institutions have engaged in war. Jesus might have taught non-violence, as did many Buddhists, but when Xtians or Buddhists pick up a sword, then you can criticize the institutions and practicioners

[chekkybulczech]

1 second ago

@Bjarku well said sir. I'm not a christian but I'm tired of Christianity being bashed on the whole for the actions that obviously don't reflect it's values and people as a whole.

@taurausbull please include some evidence or support to your claims next time so people don't think that you're just being a jerk :p

oh and it would help to watch the video too.

[I realize this was a year ago for both of you, but oh well]

[navyfolife]

i greatly respect you and Nishijima, Brad. You are a true punker and a better buddhist. Thanks for your books, theyve taught me alot. keep on keeping on my friend.

[Bjarku]

what? Gudo Nishijima Roshi is a buddhist, not a christian. and no, christianity hasnt promoted war. jesus said to turn the other cheek. he said that if a man tries to rob you, give him the shirt off your back. that is not a warlike attitude. shrewd, evil, and calculating individuals such as past popes have used christianity as an excuse to pursue war, but war has always been about power and wealth.

[taurausbull]

Christianity has always promoted war everywhere. this man is nothing but a stooge of the christian conspirators

[thizzcake]

thank you for sharing.

"Ive learned.... That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person."

andy rooney