Richard Bowring is Professor of Japanese Studies at the University of Cambridge and Master of Selwyn College, Cambridge. He is co-author of The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Japan (1993) and has written a number of Japanese Language textbooks.

Introduction; Part I. The Arrival of Buddhism and Its Effects (c.538-800): 1. The introduction of Buddhism; 2. Creating a dynasty; 3. Buddhism and the early state; 4. Monuments at Nara; Part II. From Saich¿ to the Destruction of T¿daiji (800-1180): 5. The beginnings of a 'Japanese' Buddhism: Tendai; 6. The beginnings of a 'Japanese' Buddhism: Shingon; 7. Buddhism and the state in Heian Japan; 8. Shrine and state in Heian Japan; 9. The rise of devotionalism; 10. A time for strife; Part III. From the Destruction of T¿daiji to the Fall of Godaigo (1180-1330): 11. For and against exclusive practice of the nenbutsu; 12. Religious culture of the early 'middle ages'; 13. Chan Buddhism; 14. Zen Buddhism; 15. Reform from within and without; 16. The emergence of Shint¿; 17. Taking stock; Part IV. From the Fall of Godaigo to the Death of Nobunaga (1330-1582): 18. Two rival courts; 19. Muromachi Zen; 20. The end of the medieval; 21. Appendix: reading Shingon's two mandala.