On every hand we see evidences that real Gospel work is being hindered by a lack of energy in carrying it to the darker regions of the earth. The enemy of souls knows that the "coming of the Lord draweth nigh," and that the "Gospel of the kingdom" is due to "every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people." Therefore he is alert to stir up interest in every form of religion that can antagonize or hinder the progress of the Christian religion. This, more than anything else, accounts for such awakenings as that of Buddhism in Ceylon, as told in the Evangelisches Missions-Magazin, published in Basel, Switzerland. The following is part of a translation by Louis Meyer:
Book Tent at Cloverdale (Cal.) Camp-meeting.
"The recent strengthening of Buddhism, the ancient religion of the Singhalese, in almost every part of the Island of Ceylon, is one of the strangest but well-established phenomena of the present day. The missionaries have to pay more attention to it than to anything else, and we might well speak of 'the present-day revival of Buddhism in Ceylon.' Twenty-five years ago Buddhism in Ceylon was neither aggressive nor defensive. The ancient temples were standing, the priests studied their sacred books, and on holy days crowds thronged the sanctuaries; but no efforts were being made to deepen the religious life of the people, or to hinder the Singhalese from accepting Christianity. Christian schools were flourishing, and heathen children, having received Christian instruction, were baptized. In the villages only Buddhism was still a strong power, but it showed no life whatever in the cities.
"Now a remarkable change has come. Buddhism has founded schools everywhere, high schools in the larger cities, and common schools in smaller cities and in villages. In all these schools the tenets of Buddhism are taught most zealously, and thus an effort is made to counteract Christian influence. Even a few orphanages have been founded to keep poor and deserted children from seeking admission to Christian institutions. Buddhism is making use of the printing-press to spread its teachings. Textbooks, leaflets, and tracts have been published, and there is an effort to give the priests a better secular and religious education. In Colombo a hall has been opened, where public lectures on religious subjects are given in English and Singhalese. Feasts and pilgrimages are multiplied, and better attended than ever before. Societies for the promotion of Buddhist interests have been founded, and the followers of Buddhism have become strengthened in their belief.
Branch Office of Pacific Press Publishing Company, Portland, Oregon.
"But the most remarkable fact is that this revival of Buddhism has come about through the efforts of laymen, and not through the priests. Laymen are spending time, strength, and money for the founding of schools and the support of priests and temples in such a large-hearted manner that even the opponents of Buddhism must admire their consecration. They are trying to awaken, from lethargy and indolence, the priests, who continue, as heretofore, to spend their time in introspection, holy (?) meditation, study of sacred writings, and the collection of alms for their own support, appearing rarely in public for the encouragement of this forward movement.
"What results have this revival of Buddhism in Ceylon already attained? The follower of Buddhism, standing in the midst of the movement, would naturally claim greater results than the Christian spectator. However, some effects are apparent to all. Buddhism has become more highly respected among its followers, who no longer are ashamed of their religion. There was a time when witnesses in the courts of justice sought to excuse themselves for being followers of Buddha, but now they proudly own the fact. Again, Christianity is being opposed, not only as a religion, but as an occidental influence inimical to everything oriental. Again, a surprising spirit of consecration and liberality has been awakened among Buddhist laymen. Children, heretofore almost neglected and forgotten, are now cared for, and are taught the Buddhist catechism. Religious instruction has been introduced into the day-schools, and even Buddhist Sunday-schools have been organized. Special processions of children are formed on holy days, and led to the temples. Thus Buddhism is trying to gain respect and authority."
