Its founder was the
writer of the Nestorian tablet and so the sect is related to
Christianity. It exalts the teaching of universal love. This is one of
several examples of a supposed contact between Buddhism and
Christianity.
These sects of which the two above are examples are present in all parts
of China. They obey the five Buddhist commandments for laymen. The
members spend much time in fasting and prayer, and in the repetition of
Buddhist books. Their lives as a rule are simple and sincere. They are
preparing for rebirth in the land of Amitabha, or are expecting the
early coming of the Buddhist Messiah to set this world right. In the
meantime, by means of incantations, personal regimen and cooperative
action they are doing all they can to usher in a better state.
_5. Pilgrimages_
Pilgrimages are very popular in China. The famous Buddhist shrines are
Wu T'ai Shan in Shansi, Puto on the coast of Chekiang, Chiu Hua Shan in
Anhwei, and Omei Shan in Szechuan. These, one on each side of China,
represent the four elements of Buddhist science, wind, water, fire and
earth. They are also the centers of the worship of the four great
Bodhisattvas, Wenshu, Kuan Yin, Titsang and Puhsien. Besides these large
centers there are many others to which pilgrims direct their footsteps.
In the spring of the year, when the god of spring covers the earth with
a green mantle, when the sky and winds call, many start on their
pilgrimage.
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