Page:A handbook of modern Japan (IA handbookofmodern01clem).pdf/329

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CONFUCIANISM, BUSHIDŌ, BUDDHISM
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"the Japanese Quietists" or "the Japanese Mystics." This is now the largest Buddhist sect.

4. A third school, teaching that salvation was to be obtained only through the works of another, has been represented by two sects, the Jōdo and the Shin. The former, which now ranks fourth, was founded upon a very simple doctrine, with an easy rule of life, that is, the frequent repetition of the invocation Namu Amida Butsu, "Hail to Amida the Buddha." These Buddhists use a double rosary.

5. The Shin sect,[1] which sprung out of the Jōdo sect, is that of the Japanese Reformers or Protestants. In numerical strength it is second to the Zen sect, but in real power and influence it is facile princeps. Its priests are allowed to marry, and to eat flesh and fish. It teaches that morality is as important as faith; or, in quite familiar words, that "faith without works is dead." It is monotheistic, as it worships only one Buddha. It alone of all Buddhist sects provides a way of salvation for women. It upholds a high standard of education, carries on vigorous missions in China and Korea, and has priests even in America.

6. The sect founded by the priest Nichiren and named for him is not large, but very radical and influential. In their controversial and uncompromising attitude toward other religions or even other sects of Buddhism, the disciples of the "fiery Nichi-*

  1. See Transactions Asiatic Society of Japan, vols. xiv. and xvii., papers on "Shinshiu" by Troup.