<DIV><b>New to Penguin Classics: two of the most important Buddhist tracts from Japan</b><br><br> Both of these works on life’s fleeting pleasures are by Buddhist monks from medieval Japan, but each represents a different worldview. In <i>Essays </i>in <i>Idleness</i>, his lively and sometimes ribald collection of anecdotes, advice, and observations, Kenko displays his fascination with earthly matters. In the short memoir <i>Hojoki</i>, however, Chomei recounts his decision to withdraw from worldly affairs and live as a hermit.</div>