Priest and His Disciples is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of faith, loyalty, and human nature. Set in feudal Japan, the story follows a Buddhist priest and his group of disciples as they navigate the challenges of their spiritual journey.

The author, Hyakuzō Kurata, skillfully explores the internal struggles of the characters, particularly the priest, who is torn between his duty to his religion and his own personal desires. The interactions between the priest and his disciples are fraught with tension and emotion, shedding light on the complexities of their relationships and the lengths they will go to in order to uphold their beliefs.

Kurata's writing is rich and immersive, painting a vivid picture of the world the characters inhabit and the challenges they face. The themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the search for enlightenment are woven throughout the narrative, creating a deeply moving and thought-provoking reading experience.

Overall, Priest and His Disciples is a captivating and introspective novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy exploring the complexities of human nature and the power of faith. Kurata's masterful storytelling and engaging characters make this book a must-read for those looking for a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant tale.

Book Description:
At the age of twenty-six (at the height of the Great War in Europe), the religious pilgrim and maverick Kurata Hyakuzō wrote a profoundly philosophical play called "The Priest & His Disciples" ("Shukke to sono deshi"). This stage play is based on the life and teachings of the 13th century Buddhist priest Shinran (1173-1263) and quickly became immensely popular. Shinran, the historical founder of the True Pure Land School of Buddhism (Jōdo Shinshū), encounters the poor family of Hino Saemon and his wife Okane, and converses with them about how to live in circumstances of change and turmoil and hardship. Most of the ideas represented as Shinran's are really Kurata's own philosophies, an amalgam of Eastern and Western ideas adapted by his own iconoclastic spirit to the tumultuous times of early twentieth-century Japan.