Deep River Chapter 10-13 & My Neighbor’s Faith Chapters 24, 43
I have always favored the writings of Mahatma Gandhi and have read the quotes that Ōtsu refers to, “As a Hindu, I believe instinctively that there are varying degrees of truth in all religions. All religions spring forth from the same God. But ever religion is imperfect. That is because they have all been transmitted to us by imperfect human beings (Endo, 190-1).” Ōtsu further reads, “They are many different religions, but they are merely various paths leading to the same place. What different does it make which of those separate paths we walk, so long as they all arrive at the identical destinations?” (Endo, 191).
I share similar beliefs in the words and understanding of Gandhi. I can relate to the struggle that Ōtsu faces, in which he argues with peers in that he believes that when Jesus was crucified in Jerusalem, he wandered through other parts of the world. Even though, I do not believe Ōtsu’s statement on Jesus wandering after being crucified, I can relate to the difficulty in people’s belief and the certain structure those beliefs correspond to. My parents’ beliefs differ from each other, which has allowed me to deepen my knowledge about different beliefs. However, similar to Ōtsu, I found my beliefs differing from one organization of religion to another, thus resulting in people’s comments of not belonging to a certain group. It is for that reason I believe in Gandhi’s comment that discusses that many different religions are just different ways to get to the same destitution. From my former religion classes I have learned that each religion has certain values and traditions that are followed and furthermore unique beliefs that relate to that structure.
When it comes to living out one’s religion and following their path, I believe it is a personal journey that should primarily be controlled by the person making the journey with the occasionally assistance. Although Ōtsu receives criticism in his believes, the actions he displays are evident to his believes and following of a Christian God. He sees an old lady that appears to be thirsty and gold and gives her water and wraps her in a type of blanket. I believe this scene is important as it illustrates the necessity to display the same actions of God and act upon the values and traditions according to one’s values and traditions, as it demonstrates what Gandhi states who is to judge what is right? I feel as though Ōtsu is demonstrating and mirroring the actions that are similar to the actions of Jesus, but Ōtsu faces