How do I reach a Japanese Buddhist Student?

I would like a suggestion for a good resource for a friendship family who is connecting with a Buddhist Japanese student. I know that there are probably several good resources available, but I would like for someone who has experience with Buddhist Japanese students to give me a recommendation for one that would be especially good for a friendship family.

 

Patsy

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Dear Patsy,

 

It would be good to gain a general understanding of what kind of Buddhism the student follows by asking the 8 worldview questions.  Often, Japanese Buddhist are Buddhist by culture but they are not really sure of what they believe so find out what kind of Buddhist he is, Pure Land, Jodo Shinshu, Zen, Sokka Gakkai, etc… By asking the eight worldview questions, the person often realizes they may not know really what they believe or what their tradition teaches. 

 

1. What is the nature of God?
2. What is the nature of the universe?
3. What is the nature of man?
4. What is the mankind’s problem?  Why does evil exist?
5. What is the solution to mankind’s problem? (Salvation)
6. What happens after death?
7. What is the nature of truth?
8. What is the meaning of history? 

 

Listen carefully to the answers and that will help you discover what their worldview and general beliefs are. 

 

Next, share how Christ confirmed his claims to be the divine Son of God through His miraculous sinless life, death, and resurrection and that He came to rescue the world from sin and death not just Americans or the West.  Show how Christ is greater than Buddha or the mythical gods of Pure land Buddhism. 

 

Finally, invite him into a personal relationship with God.  In Buddhism, there is no concept of a personal relationship with God, that is a big void in the Buddhist tradition.  That is very intriguing to a Japanese Buddhist.  A good book is God’s Samurai by Fuchida.  He led the attack on Pearl Harbor and later came to Christ.  The idea of God dying for us is what brough him to Christ. 

 

Aloha,

 

Patrick Zukeran

 

Probe Ministries

Host of Evidence and Answers Radio Show

www.evidenceandanswers.org

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