The Karma of Words: Buddhism and the Literary Arts in Medieval Japan

"A masterly book . . . will prove of great assistance to a student of Japanese literature and thought from the eleventh century onwards."

--*Times Literary Supplement*

"A major contribution to the fields of Japanese studies, comparative literature, and history of religions . . . a book that begs for classroom use."

--*The Eastern Buddhist*

"Innovative and provocative . . . will be of interest not only to specialists in Japanese religion and Japanese culture, but also to literary critics and cultural historians."

--*Religious Studies Review*

"Rich and stimulating material . . . an important help and influence to all concerned with understanding the tradition that has shaped Japanese culture and religion."

--*History of Religions*

"Thought provoking, finely written . . . one of the more original and creative contributions to the study of medieval culture and religion to be produced by a Western scholar. . . . Can be read with profit by all Western students of Japanese culture . . . one of those rare books that has something to offer Japanese specialists in medieval studies."

--*Journal of Japanese Studies*

"A very important contribution to Japanese studies . . . a paradigm of the genre."

--*Pacific Affairs*

"This is an exciting, ground-breaking book."

--*Chanoyu Quarterly*

"I have been most impressed and even excited by what I have read."

--Donald Keene, Professor Emeritus and Shincho Professor Emeritus of Japanese Literature at Columbia University

"This is one of the most important books in Japanese studies in a long time and will influence the entire field."

--Robert Bellah, former Elliott Professor of Sociology, Professor Emeritus at the University of California, Berkeley