Towards the Truth

is not made of brain alone, and that there are sentiments in him
which cry for satisfaction, and which man’s weakness cannot afford
to ignore. For those, Buddhism will appear morbid, while they in
their turn will be found sentimental in their emotional life of faith.
It is all a question of growth. And if religion is a way of life, there
must be in that life also different stages of growth. And until we
shall have outgrown all that in the perfection of life, there will be
the need of different schools, of different -isms. Understanding that,
there cannot be any intolerance, but only the wish that all may grow
in purity of life and sincerity of truth, wherewith to serve others.
I feel sure that my audience has not been offended by the strong
words I sometimes used in argument. It was not my intention to
hurt; but if, while expressing my convictions and trying to convince
my audience, I have overstepped the boundaries of parliamentary
language, and if I thus unintentionally have caused some pain of
mind to those who do not share my convictions, I most humbly
tender my apologies.
And finally I thank my reverend opponent most sincerely for
the fine spirit in which he endured the violence of my attack, for
the sympathy wherewith he approached the teachings of Buddhism,
and for giving expression so eloquently to his own deeper and most
sacred feelings.
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