Buddha of Infinite Light
by D.T Suzuki

I am constantly being amazed these days by the similarities between certain teachings of Christianity and Buddhism. Suzuki's book, based on lectures given in the 1950's draws these parallels very clearly for me.
The school of buddhism is Pure Land buddhism or Shin Buddhism, the most popular form practiced in Japan. The main thing involved in the primal vow mantra which in many ways speaks to me of accepting Christ as your saviour. But even more parallel is the notion of monadism that Suzuki speaks of. He compares monadism to the idea of a mother cat carrying her baby in her mouth and the baby not doing anything to help. Contrast that with a baby monkey who rides on the mother's back and has to hang on for dear life so the mother doesn't have to work so hard.
In the Shin buddhist teaching we are all the baby cat. There isn't anything we can do to get to the other shore, or the Pure land. But we don't know that until we try our hardest to get there on our own. And then we see the Amida buddha holding out a hand for us to grab ahold of and be pulled ashore.
You can click here 48 vows to read the 48 vows that Shin buddhism is based upon.