| In the eyes of non-Japanese, it seems odd that when Japanese are born, they are taken to a shrine, when they marry, they go to a church, and when they die they go to a temple. When asked, "Why do you do that?" most Japanese are utterly at a loss as to how to answer. The Buddhism that was transmitted to Japan has continued to provide Japanese with wisdom and strength for living. Buddhism has soothed the minds of the people and greatly affected their way of seeing and thinking. No discussion of Japan can overlook Buddhism. Needless to say Buddha of India was the founder of the religion. He attained enlightenment some 500 years before the birth of Christ and approximately 2,500 yeaers before out time. Buddhism was to cross national borders and spread throughout Asia. Its teachers are universal, yet it has transformed itself through the generations and the civilizations and culturs of various countries, and has been accepted in different forms by the peopls of those lands. In recent years, even the West, Buddhist thought has undergone a new appraisal. The present volume includes the essential points that one should know about Buddhism so that one can explain them in straightforward, simple English. Whether one is working, studying or living with a family abroad, the matter of religion will invariably arise. It is hoped that this book will be of value to those who are involved in international relations and businessmen who deal with people of other cultures, as well as those who are studying English. Set up in a Q and A session this book is translated both in Japanese text on one side with the English text on the other side. Occasional furigana pronunciation is listed to develop ones vocabulary in the Japanese language and an excellent purchase for advanced students of Japanese.  
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