Gods of Medieval Japan - 2: Protectors and Predators

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Written by a leading scholar of Japanese religion, this work is the second in a multivolume project that significantly enhances our understanding of the mythico-ritual system of esoteric Buddhism, focusing on the roles of deities in medieval Japan and beyond. The author introduces readers to the centrality of gods in medieval Japanese religiosity, employing theoretical insights from structuralism, post-structuralism, and Actor-Network Theory to explore the "implicit pantheon" of esoteric Japanese Buddhism (Mikkyō). This study emphasizes the multiple and shifting representations of deities, rather than individual characters and functions. The author argues that the "wild" gods of Japan were pivotal in the medieval religious landscape, forming complex associations that defy simple categorization into "Buddhist," "indigenous," or "Shinto." Notably, some significant gods have roots in Hinduism, Daoism, and Yin-Yang thought. With vast knowledge and theoretical sophistication, the author presents largely unstudied material, highlighting the importance of iconography alongside the textual record. A rich collection of over 170 images underscores the critical relationship between iconography and medieval Japanese beliefs, offering a corrective to traditional divisions in the field. This work challenges reductionist views of medieval Japanese religion, revealing a complex and fascinating landscape beyond simplistic categorizations.