Clerical Marriage in Japanese Buddhism

“Neither Monk nor Layman” is a comprehensive study by Richard Jaffe on the topic of monks getting married in Japanese Buddhism. Jaffe explores the historical emergence of an openly married clergy as a significant change in modern Japanese Buddhism. He delves into the difficulties faced by Japanese Buddhists during this shift and traces the gradual acceptance of clerical marriage from the Edo period to the start of World War II. Jaffe also examines related issues such as the dissolution of clerical status and the domestication of Japanese temple life. This book appeals to scholars of religion, Japanese history, and anyone interested in the clash between modernization and religious institutions.