A Functional Analysis of the Religiosity of Kaneko Misuzu

Abstract

The works of Kaneko Misuzu are said to have a deep relation with Buddhism. This article analyzes her religiosity as seen in the work, "Hana no tamashii" (Soul of a Flower). However, there is no set definition of religiosity. Here, religiosity is defined as the work of recognizing, reflecting on, and deciding on the religious meaning for oneself in nature, the world, human relations, and human life and death. Here religiosity is defined in terms of three functions: 1) The function that sees religiosity in the universe, in nature, in the events of history, and in the course of daily life; 2) the function that reflects on and gives religious meaning to the above; and 3) the function that makes this understanding personal through the decision to believe. The work "Soul of a flower" gives expression to and reveals a contradiction in the Pure Land sect of Buddhism that counts evil people as righteous on the one hand, while calling for the creating of goodness by one's own efforts on the other. In this work, Kaneko's religiosity is highly developed in its religious function, but is weak in the functions of giving meaning and making this meaning personal.