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The Spirit of Foundation of Komazawa University is oriented to character formation.
It is based upon the “Soto School Ideology” and the “Program of Education According to Buddhist Doctrine.”
Living one’s life according to the “Buddhist Doctrine” calls for observing the teachings of Buddha and other masters. Guiding one’s life according to the ideology of the Soto School of Buddhism depends upon understanding the spirit of the two founders of the Soto School, Master Dogen and Master Keizan.
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The teachings of Buddha and the two masters suffice to provide a full understanding of what one is; that is, to understand their teaching is to achieve full self-awareness. It is to grasp the significance of the one who cannot be any other person.
The method of achieving the full understanding of oneself is epitomized in the slogan of Komazawa University: Oneness of Study and Practice. This oneness of study and practice is embodied in the practice of : Truth, Sincerity, Respect, and Love (信誠敬愛). These words resonate in the University song. The first two call for honesty to oneself, while the second two signify the proper relation to the lives of others. Thus, the spirit of well-being of oneself and others taught by Mahayana Buddhism is conveyed by “Truth, Sincerity, Respect, and Love.” When this spirit is explained and amplified, it amounts to self-cultivation in faith and devotion to others in mercy.
Mahayana Buddhism teaches that one can realize its spirit, cultivating oneself in devotion to others, only by achieving a full understanding of oneself. Correlatively, self-cultivation in devotion to others will lead to the full understanding of what one is. This spirit should be pursued throughout life.
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