Dr. Enryo Inoue’s Life
Dr. Enryo Inoue was one of the most influential Japanese philosophers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As an ardent nationalist, he played an important role in ensuring Buddhism became an alternative to Western religious doctrine – “Enryo attempted to give Buddhism a philosophical foundation suited to the modern world” (Schulzer, 2019b, p.200). Therefore, this essay explores the significance of three pillars in Dr. Enryo’s life and how they relate to his concept of the ‘Upward Gate’ and the ‘Downward Gate.’ Similarly, this paper seeks to explain the relationship between Dr. Enryo’s life history and the two Gates.
The Three Pillars and the ‘Upward Gate’ and the ‘Downward Gate’
The three pillars of Dr. Enryo’s life and thoughts are philosophy, education, and Buddhism. Firstly, Dr. Enryo viewed philosophy as studying the nature and meaning of the universe and human life, seeking truth and rational thinking. Secondly, Dr. Enryo showed a high commitment to education – he established the Philosophy Academy, where he emphasized the development of the intellect through suitable education (Ito, 2023). Lastly, on Buddhism, he was ordained as a Buddhist priest at a young age and continued to study and practice Buddhism throughout his life.
Moreover, the ‘Upward Gate’ and the ‘Downward Gate ‘provide a clear trajectory of Dr. Inoue’s life journey. On the one hand, the ‘Upward Gate’ allows one to pursue higher ideals and cultivate self-improvement. Through the ‘Upward Gate,’ an individual can embrace the three pillars to positively impact society (Azizi, 2021). On the other hand, the ‘Downward Gate’ embodies all the challenges and setbacks people encounter in life. It represents a time in a person’s life when hardship and negative emotions peak.
The life narrative of Dr. Enryo and the two Gates are directly related from a critical perspective. As described by Azizi (2021), Dr. Enryo’s early life, guided by education, was characterized by immense personal struggles to introduce philosophy into Japan. As Dr. Enryo transitioned to adulthood, the ‘Upward Gate’ guided him in reforming Buddhism by ensuring it aligned with his vision of modernization. Through writing and teachings, he contributed to the betterment of society.
Dr. Enryo Inoue’s life and thoughts revolved around the three pillars of Education, Philosophy, and Buddhism. These pillars served as the foundation for his life journey, and through them, he aimed to modernize Japan and integrate Buddhism with Western thought. His journey through the ‘Upward Gate’ and the ‘Downward Gate’ reflects the transformative power of education, rational thinking, and philosophy. Through understanding and incorporating these pillars, individuals can contribute to the betterment of society.
Personal Reflection: The Most Interesting Pillar and Its Relevance to My Life
Among the three pillars discussed above, the one that I find interesting is philosophy. This pillar resonates well with my worldview since it has been my mission to continually seek truth through rational thinking, studying human life and the universe as a whole. Philosophy, for me, serves as a tool to navigate through life’s complexities and deepen my understanding of the world. Therefore, the one thing I find interesting about this pillar is its ability to trigger our subconscious motivations through rational and critical thinking.
Furthermore, philosophy is relevant to me personally and family, especially during difficult times. In times of crisis, such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic, philosophical principles have provided me with a sense of stability and resilience. Philosophy has helped me understand that there are some aspects of my life that I can control while others are beyond my ability. Similarly, philosophical discussions with my family about life’s meaning have brought us closer together.
Philosophy has also been relevant to my interests in personal development and academic journey. I must admit that by engaging with different philosophical texts and discussions, I have sharpened my critical thinking and analytical skills. Similarly, philosophy has challenged me to question assumptions and explore diverse viewpoints, contributing to my overall personal development. In general, studying philosophy has deepened my understanding of morality and ethics, crucial components of personal development.
References
Azizi, S. (2021). Inoue Enryo. JapanTravel. Web.
Ito, M. (2023). The three pillars of Dr. Enryo Inoue’s life and thoughts. Session 6.
Schulzer, R. (2019). Inoue Enryō’s philosophy of Buddhism. In: Kopf, G. (eds) The dao companion to Japanese Buddhist philosophy. Dao companions to Chinese philosophy, vol 8. Springer, Dordrecht. Web.