Japan, Literature 

"Zen Past and Present" provides readers with a concise but comprehensive survey of the history of Zen Buddhism. Because it examines Zen from historical, religious, literary, artistic, and political standpoints, it is an ideal supplemental text for a wide variety of disciplines. "Zen Past and Present" covers the evolution of Zen thought and practice from the foundations of Buddhism in ancient India up to the most recent interpretations of Zen in the contemporary postmodern world. Readers should find this booklet entertaining, and thought-provoking. "Zen Past and Present" provides readers with a concise, comprehensive history of Zen Buddhism including: The origins of Zen in the Buddha's own meditative practice; The essential Zen scriptures; The Chinese influence on Zen Buddhism; Zen and samurai culture; Zen and the modernization of Japan; Zen and World War II; Zen and the Counter-culture; Punk Zen in the postmodern world. - from Amzon