MOURNERS AND RELIGIOUS FAITHS. 205

of existence, higher or lower — perhaps. a superior being or a disgusting
animal; according to one’s merit or demerit.

“The Buddhist heaven, accessible only after many transformations,
much living and dying, suffermg and purifying, is called nirvana; a
state of unconsciousness, rest, apathy, and some say it means extinction.
Anyway, it must be a queer kind of know-nothing-ness. The founder
of Buddhism is claimed to have three hundred millions of followers
in the world, and he has been allowed four hundred millions even. In
Japan he is very popular. He himself exacted of his disciples a
life of self-denial, and insisted upon good morals; but Buddhism has

      
 

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BEATING THE TEMPLE DRUM.

degenerated, and as we find its followers to-day, there is imperative
need of a great and radical change.”

“There seem to be a good many Buddhist temples in Japan,”
remarked Uncle Nat. .