Gleanings in Buddha-fields: Studies of Hand And Soul In The Far East

Gleanings in Buddha-Fields Studies of Hand and Soul in the Far East (1897) by Lafcadio Hearn is a collection of essays exploring Japanese Buddhism, spirituality, and aesthetics. Blending personal observation with philosophical reflection, Hearn examines Buddhist practices, art, and the deeper meanings of devotion, compassion, and impermanence. He delves into temple rituals, the influence of Buddhist thought on daily life, and the beauty of handcrafted religious objects. Through poetic prose, he reveals how Buddhism shapes Japan’s cultural and spiritual landscape. The book offers Western readers a profound, intimate glimpse into Japan’s Buddhist traditions and their enduring influence on its people.