ASPECTS OF ZEN BUDDHISM IN NICOLAS BOUVIER’S TRAVEL WRITING THE JAPANESE CHRONICLES

VOL. 63, BOOK 1, PART C, 2025, pp. 332 – 344 Full text (Fr)

Author: Radostina Lilova

Affiliation: Paissi Hilendarski University of Plovdiv

Abstract

This paper explores Nicolas Bouvier’s travelogue Chronique japonaise (The Japanese Chronicles, first published in 1967 under the name of Japan) where he presents a profound study of Japan and the experience of his travel journeys there. In particular, the paper discusses the aspects of Zen Buddhism in the book, the ways in which Bouvier has embraced its principles and how he has been influenced by them, even subconsciously.

Key words: travel literature, 20th century, Nicolas Bouvier, The Japanese Chronicles, Zen Buddhism