... the country, and Zen Buddhism began to gain many believers. Zen Buddhism, a more rationalistic approach to religion, concentrated on contemplation rather than on religious rites and appealed to the proud warrior class of Japan, the samurai. (Nish 44) As Buddhism increased in popularity, the Buddhist monasteries became wealthy and powerful forces in the country. In the late 16th century, Nobunaga, one ... began to play a huge role in the ability of Japan to adapt to western thought. The activity in the Dutch ports soon captured the attention of some of the samurai, a warrior class with B...

• Word Count: 5107
• Approx Pages: 20
• Grade Level: High School