We need not go to the Kosekin, however, for such maxims as these.

The intelligent Hindoos, the Chinese, the Japanese, with many other nations, all cling firmly to this belief.

Sakyamoum Gautama Buddha, the son and heir of a mighty monarch, penetrated with the conviction of the misery of life, left his throne, embraced a life of voluntary poverty, want, and misery, so that he might find his way to a better state--the end before him being this, that he might ultimately escape from the curse of existence.

He lived till old age, gained innumerable followers, and left to them as a solemn legacy the maxim that not to exist is better than to exist; that death is better than life.

Since his day millions of his followers have upheld his principles and lived his life.