The herald., 1895-08-18
Japanese Bel

may be saved" certainly a very beauti-
ful sentiment. These temples belong to
q sect OF Buddhists called Monte, which
has great favor at the imperial court. In
the fifteenth century the mikado was re-
duced to poverty, and at this crisis the
Hong wangi showed the emperor great
sympathy and furnished substantial help.
As q reward for this act of eminent piety
the high priest of the Monte sect was
ever afterwaTd honored with place in
the imperial household. This sect is said
to be wealthy. Their temple are dis
tributed over the empire and are always
built in pairs. short distance apart, in
the heart OF the great cities, and desig-
mated Higashi. eastern, and Nishi west
ern, Hongwanji. Their priests are per-
mitted to marry and theii diet is not pre-
scribed by rule. In this regard they are
the Protestants of Buddhism, as all other
scots enjoin on their priesthood cell bacy,
an exclusively vegetable diet and ab
stineuce from wine. They avoid the
usual course of choosing retired spots in
the hills as sites for their te mples always
building in the centers of population and
striving to attract the attention of the peo-
pie. Since the opening of the country to
foreign intercourse they have given much
attention to western science and learning.
visited a college they were building IN
Kyoto for the education OF priests, in
which shey we're making provision for
instruction in languages, literature,
science and religions, especially those of
modern Europe, with the express design
of being able to resist the incoming power
OF Christianity. They contemplate send
ing missionaries to Europe and America.
Already they have built large temple
at Shanghai, and have begun the work Of
converting the Buddhists OF China to the
Monte sect.
In a beautiful altar of this "Temple OF
the sole desire" there IS an elegant casket
containing a precious statuette oi the
famous priest Shinran Shonin, founder of
the Monte sect. Desiring a sight of this
figure OF the great man, which Is said to
have been carved with his own hands.
was told by the priest in attendance that
for certain fee my wish might be graft
ted-for in japan, as elsewhere, there are
doors that "open but to golden keys"
Aside at little Office paid the sum OF
81 cents and obtained receipt, an i'm
posing document printed in coloss in
Samed with shs nmess ap
me antime donned his Official scarlet
robes. came forward, bowing low before
the casket. mumbling prayers. as though
propitiatine the shade Of the Shonin for
this intrusion. Slowly. reverently be
black figure, an exquisite carving. The
inside of the casket was gilt and glittered
like fine gold. Companies of pilgrims
from afar. lettering about the ample
porches. and here and there in groups
upon the mats in the great halls. soon
perceived what was going on and gath
ersd in crowds around the railing that
fenced the altar. Having paid for my
privilege, I was permitted to go inside
and have closer view. The moment the
shrine was opened tho whole multitude
broke forth in loud and simultaneous ut
oe do
bussu;'' these words they continued to
repeat with rapidity both fast aud furi.
GUS until the door OF the casket was
closed, when they Instantly ceased and re-.