...I, too, have come across the Bushido associated quite strongly with a particular school of Buddhism: Zen.

I found The Religion of the Samurai:A Study of Zen Philosophy and Discipline in China and Japan by Kaiten Nukariya, from which these paragraphs are excerpted:

The historical importance of Zen can hardly be exaggerated. After its introduction into China in the sixth century, A.D., it grew ascendant through the Sui (598-617) and the Tang dynasty (618-906), and enjoyed greater popularity than any other sect of Buddhism during the whole period of the Sung (976-1126) and the Southern Sung dynasty (1127-1367). In these times its commanding influence became so irresistible that Confucianism, assimilating the Buddhist teachings, especially those of Zen, into itself and changing its entire aspect, brought forth the so-called Speculative philosophy.[1] And in the Ming dynasty (1368-1659) the principal doctrines of Zen were adopted by a celebrated Confucian scholar, Wang Yang Ming,[2] who thereby founded a school, through which Zen exercised profound influence on Chinese and Japanese men of letters, statesmen, and soldiers.



As regards Japan, it was first introduced into the island as the faith first for the Samurai or the military class, and moulded the characters of many distinguished soldiers whose lives adorn the pages of her history. Afterwards it gradually found its way to palaces as well as to cottages through literature and art, and at last permeated through every fibre of the national life. It is Zen that modern Japan, especially after the Rust-Japanese War, has acknowledged as an ideal doctrine for her rising generation.



The publication date listed is 1913.

The entire site, The Internet Sacred Text Archive, is just fascinating! I found a Latin Missal with English translation under "Christianity", and I intend to go read it. And maybe burn some frankincense while I do. Sometimes one gets nostalgic for the Olde Ways, especially at this time of year.

Pax vobiscum, Publius--
Mary Anne