222 SMITHSONIAN MISCELLANEOUS COLLECTIONS VOL. I42 



Elements of strength in Buddhism arc: 



1. Its ability to adapt itself to different environnients. 



2. Its repudiation of caste. 



3. Its strong organization. 



4. Its missionary zeal and its sense of a world mission. 



5. Its moral teachings, especially the first five commandments. 



6. Its spirit and practice of reverent worship. 



7. Its compassion for human suffering. 



In China before the 20th century Buddhism appealed to the ordi- 

 nary Chinese people because of its polytheism, idolatry, and the use 

 of charms, incantations, and magical ceremonies to exorcise demons, 

 heal diseases, and achieve desired ends. In recent decades, because of 

 the enlightenment of the people, those features have become severe 

 handicaps. Pilgrims to Mount Omei and worshipers in the temples 

 dwindled to less than one-tenth, and nine-tenths of the temples, at 

 least in Szechwan, have been torn down or, more generally, used for 

 secular purposes. The future of Buddhism in China is at least 

 precarious. 



MOHAMMEDANISM 



Estimates of the number of Mohammedans in China vary from 3 

 to 30 millions, and the correct number is probably between 10 and 

 15 millions. The increase from the beginning has been mainly by 

 birth and by the adoption of children, sometimes purchased during 

 times of famine, and bringing them up as Mohammedans. Moham- 

 medanism in China has frequently laid claim to the power of exorcis- 

 ing demons and of working magic. 



Weaknesses of Mohammedanism are: 



1. The arbitrariness of God. 



2. Reliance on force and military power to spread its religion. 



3. Belief in fatalism. 



4. The sensuous nature of heaven and hell. 



5. A low estimate of women. 



6. Polygamy. 



7. Belief in demons and devils. 



8. Repetitious prayers. 



9. The imperfect moral character of its founder. 



Elements of strength in ^Mohammedanism are: 



1. Its strong belief in one god only, a supreme god. 



2. Its confidence in the sovereignty of God. 



3. Its belief that God is also merciful and compassionate. 



