The faith of Buddhism is in wisdom, not in blind faith.

The faith of Buddhism is in the common good, not in one’s own wellbeing.

The faith of Buddhism is in this-worldly involvement, not in seclusion from it.

The faith of Buddhism is in being limitless, not in setting restrctions.

The faith of Buddhism is in equality, not in discrimination.

The faith of Buddhism is in self-reliance, not in salvation by others.

── from Yinbing Shi Heji
(Collected Works from the Ice-Drinker’s Studio)

Buddhism is both a religion and a philosophy. This religious sentiment, deeply imbued in the hearts of people, often causes them to fabricate historical reality and render supernatural effects to symbolic happenings. Therefore, to rely solely on historical facts without any sense of empathy, one will certainly fail to attain the Truth.

Philosophy involves an attainment of Truth in a precise and meticulous manner. The wisdom of ancient philosophy remains naive yet cautious in thinking, and direct in argument. Their language is usually simple yet profound, and uses relevant examples that embody deep thinking. Therefore, to only seek for the validation of textual evidence without any spiritual attainment, one will only gain what is as good as dregs.

── from Hanwei Liangjin Nanbeichao Fojiao Shi
(History of Buddhism in the Han, Wei, Jin, Southern, and Northern Dynasties)