Ryuichi Abe
Ryuichi Abe | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1954 |
| Nationality | Japanese |
| Alma mater | Keio University; Johns Hopkins University (School of Advanced International Studies); Columbia University |
| Occupation(s) | Scholar, Professor |
| Years active | 1991–present |
| Employer(s) | Harvard University; Columbia University (former) |
| Known for | Studies on Japanese religions, Buddhism in Japan |
Ryuichi Abe holds the position of Reischauer Institute Professor specializing in Japanese Religions at Harvard University. Prior to May 2004, he served as a professor focusing on Japanese religions within the departments of religion and East Asian languages and culture at Columbia University.
Through his academic instruction and numerous scholarly works, Abe has played a pivotal role in enhancing Western perspectives on Buddhism in Japan. His publication, The Weaving of Mantra: Kūkai and the Construction of Esoteric Buddhist Discourse, explores how Kūkai shaped 9th-century Japanese society by creating a unique Buddhist discourse that stood apart from the dominant Confucian narratives. Additionally, Abe has authored studies on figures such as Ryōkan and Saichō.
Abe's educational background includes a bachelor's degree in economics from Keio University, followed by a master's from the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University. He completed both his MPhil and PhD in religious studies at Columbia University. Beginning his academic career at Columbia in 1991, he was appointed Kao Associate Professor of Japanese Religions in 1998. His excellence in teaching was recognized with the Philip and Ruth Hettleman Award.
Books
- The Weaving of Mantra: Kūkai and the Construction of Esoteric Buddhist Discourse. 1999.
- Great Fool: Zen Master Ryokan: Poems, Letters, and Other Writings (co-authored with Peter Haskel). 1996. PDF available online, 302 pages: [1]. Accessed 22 August 2020.
- Saicho and Kukai: A Conflict of Interpretations. Japanese Journal of Religious Studies. Spring 1995, volume 22, issues 1–2. PDF accessible online, 35 pages: [2]. Accessed 22 August 2020.