A survey of Buddhism in Japan from roughly the time of its introduction into the mid-ninth century. The following topics are covered:
The Introduction of Buddhism to Japan – Transmission Myths – The Myth of Prince Shōtoku – The Myth of a Buddhist-Shintō Rivalry – Temples in and around the Capital – Provincial Temples – The Order of Nuns – Female Patronage – The Nun Emperor and the Dharma King– Precepts and Ordination – Offices and Codes – Provincial Proselytizers – Mountain Practitioners – Study on the Continent – Scholastic Practices – The “Six Schools” – Saichō and Kūkai