THE BUDDHIST SECTS OF JAPAN
E. STEINILBER-OBERLIN
INTRODUCTION
This book is merely a philosophical inquiry.
My task has been limited to obtaining explanations, to group them methodically and reproduce them in the most faithful way possible. When a certain point seemed obscure to me [sought the necessary explanations. When the exposed system included a Mystery, I respected it. Different or opposed points of view were presented to me. I listened to imaged, poetical or charming propositions and to others which were austere, complex and technical. I have noted both the ones and the others. I always took care to persuade my interlocutor to sketch the essential part of his doctrine in relieve, whilst allowing him, if he judged proper, to reserve certain perspectives and shadowed zones. I myself have taken great care to respect, in the case of each doctrine, its special charm, and if I may express myself thus, its perfume, its colour and its light.
To the reader who sincerely wishes to understand the philosophical doctrines of modern Buddhism I deliver the result of this inquiry, which I might have entitled “Living Buddhism: Its smiling and deep philosophy”…
CONTENTS
Chap.
INTRODUCTION
THE KUSHA SECT
THE JO-JITSU SECT
THE SANRON SECT
THE HOSSO SECT
THE KEGON SECT
THE TENDAL SECT
THE SHINGON SECT
THE ZEN SECT
THE JODO SECT
THE SHINSHU SECT
THE NICHIREN SECT
IN THE MARGIN OF CANONICAL BOOKS
CONCLUSION – THE COMING BUDDHISM
TEXTS
BIBLIOGRAPHY