Anesaki Masaharu's Intellectual Journey in India

In the 19th century, Japan emerged from a long period of isolation and entered an era of enlightenment and modernization. During this transformative period, Japan began adopting and integrating Western epistemologies and knowledge systems. The Japanese government-initiated programs to send students abroad to study modern systems and cultures, providing a significant opportunity for intellectual scholars to contribute to Japan's modernization. Among these scholars was Anesaki Masaharu (1871–1949), a pioneering figure in religious studies at Tokyo Imperial University. Born in Kyoto and raised in a household rooted in Buddhist traditions, Anesaki played intellectual role in establishing and developing comparative religious studies in Japan. Between 1900 and 1903, Anesaki undertook his first journey to the West, documenting his experiences in the travelogue Teiunshuu. During 1902–1903, he stayed in India, exploring significant sacred sites such as Bodh Gaya, Varanasi (Benares), and Madras. His journey had a dual purpose: first, to identify and analyse the intersections of meaning between Eastern and Western traditions; and second, to bring knowledge of Japanese religious traditions to Western audience. This article will focus on Anesaki’s journey to India, examining his encounters with India’s rich spiritual traditions. It will explore how his experiences influenced his academic works and philosophical thinking, showing the lasting impact of his time in India on the development of comparative religious studies in Japan.