Formative Elements of Japanese Buddhism

"...that they may have it more abundantly." A reference to the Gospel of John 10:10: "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." It is the abundant life of true Christianity that the Buddhist has learned to admire.

So far, I have outlined the Creed of Buddhism as it appears in Japan and have contrasted it with Christianity. The differences between the two religions are not many, but they are very significant.

Christianity possesses God—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—revealed in Christ, who is the Pattern, Savior, and Judge. It has the Spirit of God ever present with it, and, possessing that Spirit, it has life.

Buddhism does not have the true knowledge of the Father, nor of Christ, nor of the Holy Spirit. Yet it possesses hints or resemblances of these truths, and it does not seem impossible for Buddhism to turn to Christ in such a way as to make perfect and complete everything it already possesses.

Christ did not come to destroy but to fulfill A reference to Matthew 5:17: "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.", and in the same way, Christianity is obligated to discover and perfect all the elements of Truth that exist in the world. It is always difficult to turn people away from what they believe, even toward a better belief system, but Truth is great and will prevail in the end.

(13). After having recited the Apostles’ Creed, an English child is questioned about the Commandments and is taught to look to God as their author. They are "the same words which God spoke" through Moses at Mount Sinai.

The Buddhist also has ten commandments, but they are based on principles other than the expressed will of God.

The Buddhist says that man is a part of the universe, intimately linked to every part of creation. He therefore has duties to all living creatures, such as universal kindness, philanthropy, etc.

He owes his current birth and education to his parents, to whom he gives filial original: "filial"; relating to the duties of a son or daughter obedience, reverence, and love.

As a social being, he comes into contact with teachers, employers, rulers, etc., to whom he owes faithfulness and diligence—