Hermitism and Impermanence: A Response to Nagasawa’s Argument on Transcendentalism in Medieval Japan

Abstract

Nagasawa argues that only transcendentalism can constitute a potentially successful response to the problem of impermanence. In this review, I argue that Chōmei’s hermitism can be another realistic strategy to respond to it. Chōmei lived in a small house in the remote mountains and interacted with the surrounding nature. His lifestyle is considered a good example of reconciling one’s finite life with the impermanence of the world and human sufferings. I conclude that Nagasawa’s interpretation of hermitism might be one-sided.