[xm177e2]

I thought the Samurai were Shinto, not Buddhist...

[Have Ruck - Will Travel]

They were usually both if I remember correctly.

Living here in Japan in this day and age, I can tell you that Japanese practice both as a mixture every day. Most people have Shinto Weddings and Buddhist Funerals. It is quite interesting.

I also know that many of the Samurai class studied Zen Buddhism as a supplement to their warrior training. Also, there were some sects of Buddhist monks who were QUITE effective fighters when they needed to be. I agree with the author that not all Buddhists are pacifists. Not by a LONG shot.

Take care,

Ruck

[Ultima Thule]

They started out Shinto, but over time more and more of them adopted Zen Buddhism until it became their dominant religion. (There were some Christian samurai, too.)