Ennin's Diary: The Record of a Pilgrimage to China in Search of the Law Paperback – November 20, 2020
by Ennin (Author), Edwin O Reischauer (Translator), & 1 more
4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars 11 ratings
This book is the first complete translation into any modern language of the diary kept by Ennin, a Japanese Buddhist monk who traveled to China in AD 838 in search of new religious texts and further enlightenment in his faith. Ennin tells the memorable story of the hazards of sea travel in the ninth century and of his extensive journeys by foot and by riverboat throughout Northern China. In intimate detail, he describes life in the cities and monasteries of T'ang China, the ways
of Chinese officialdom, secular festivals, and public events. He depicts Buddhism as a living religion just at the point when it reached its apogee in China, and offers the most authoritative account available of the great religious persecution of the 840's, which was so critical a turning point in Chinese history.
Among the earliest diaries in Japanese literature, Ennin's immersive description of ninth-century China represents one of the first foreign eyewitness accounts of everyday life there. Despite its historical importance, Ennin's Diary has been long out of print, and it is our pleasure to make this great work available once again to the public. With a new foreword by Valerie Hansen, the modern reader will find this account more accessible and engaging than ever.
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Product details
Publisher : Angelico Press (November 20, 2020)
Language : English
Paperback : 490 pages
Top reviews from the United States
patagoniac
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing book, great translation
Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2021
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This is a riveting travel diary written by Japanese Buddhist monk Ennin (Jikaku Daishi). It is complete with dates, the route of his journey, and the names of many officials and monks whom he encountered. He also describes holy Buddhist sites and festivals and historical events. Towards the end of the book he encounters the persecution of Buddhist monks at the hand of the new Emperor.
The translation by Reischauer is excellent, with extensive and thorough footnotes. He provides context and explanations of phrases, comparisons with other transcriptions of the diary, evaluations of historical accuracy, etc. The other great thing is that he includes Chinese characters for many phrases and names as well.
The book is a reprint of the 1955 version in a lovely, larger than usual typeface that is very easy to read. The reprint adds to the charm of the book. There is also a map with the route of Ennin's travels.
4 people found this helpful
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LORENZO
5.0 out of 5 stars Wow
Reviewed in the United States on November 4, 2024
Completely racist book
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shigoto
5.0 out of 5 stars of great usefulness to those interested in early asian history
Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2014
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this was japans marco polo.of great usefulness to those interested in early asian history.you have to read to the last part to get to the really important bit.scholarly translation
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Nazani
5.0 out of 5 stars an interesting read and an important historical documentReviewed in the United States on April 9, 2012
This is a translation of the diary of the Japanese monk Ennin (Jikaku Daishi) who traveled to China from 838 to 847. Not only is it a report on Chinese Buddhism of the time, including its persecution, it is also a glimpse into the political situation and amazing culture of the Tang dynasty. Belongs in the library of any serious student of the Tang dynasty or of the history of Buddhism. Copious footnotes, character glossary. 454 pages.
5 people found this helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars an interesting read and an important historical documentReviewed in the United States on April 9, 2012
This is a translation of the diary of the Japanese monk Ennin (Jikaku Daishi) who traveled to China from 838 to 847. Not only is it a report on Chinese Buddhism of the time, including its persecution, it is also a glimpse into the political situation and amazing culture of the Tang dynasty. Belongs in the library of any serious student of the Tang dynasty or of the history of Buddhism. Copious footnotes, character glossary. 454 pages.
5 people found this helpful
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