LIVING BUDDHISM IN JAPAN
A report of Interviews withTen Japanese Buddhist Leaders
Prepared by YOSHIRO .TAMURA
ASSOCIATE PROFFESSOR OF BUDDHISM TOYO UNIVERSITY
IN CORPORATION WITH WILLIAM P. WOODARD
FOREWORD
Most Japanese are traditionally Buddhists but there is a wide difference of opinion as to what Buddhism really means. In most cases people merely act unconsciously in accordance with past customs.
For some time International Institute for the Study of Religions has seen the necessity of clarifying what everyday Buddhism is. This is not apparent simply from a study of the sutras or even the founders` writings. It can only be acquired by means of direct contact with persons who are actually living as Buddhists. Even then it is not easy to study this subject which covers most of the Japanese people. Therefore, Mr. Yoshiro Tamura of Tokyo University was requested to interview persons, who are regarded as leaders of the Buddhist world, regarding what they think and what they are doing. This Bulletin is the result. Mr. Tamura`s questions sound mild but they hit the point. They are like a scalpels in an operation on Buddhism. Buddhists reading this report will no doubt find much to think about in reference to the future of their faith.
Hajime Nakamura
Professor of Indian Philosophy
Tokyo University
CONTENTS
Foreword
Introduction
I. The meaning of Human life
II. Happiness
III. Misfortune
IV.Social reform
V. Health and faith
VI.Problem of sin
VII.Buddha and the pure land
VIII. Non-killing
IX. Buddhis and the Emperor system
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Impressions and Evaluation by:
The Reverend Shin` ichirõ Imoka
Six young Buddhist scholars