Just as treasures are uncovered from the earth, so virtue appears from good deeds, and wisdom appears from a pure and peaceful mind. To walk safely through the maze of human life, one needs the light of wisdom and the guidance of virtue.
~Buddha~

The Orient

Japanese culture has been greatly influenced by the Chinese culture, and yet they are almost as different from each other as any two neighboring countries can ever be. The reason for that lie partly in the geography of Japan, which being an island, was often close to external influence, and is partly due to the difference in religion, philosophies and history between the two countries. They differ in many aspects while sharing a lot in common.