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The eight misconceptions that seem to be tacitly assumed, but which are actually standing in the way of further endeavor to solve the fundamental problem of the origins of Mahayana Buddhism are presented. The exact moments of the origination of both the first Buddha image and the first Mahayana sutra in Mathura, India are discussed.

Kiyozawa Manshi is known as the leader of a Buddhist movement called Spiritual Activism and believed that introspection was the specific method of practicing Spiritual Activism. In his view both the Agamas, which teach the way to enlightenment through introspection, and the Discourses of Epictetus, which emphasizes self-reflection, are guides pointing to the way to attain Other Power faith as expounded in the Tannisha.

Kiyozawa Manshi and Suzuki Daisetz are considered as two models, rising high in the century-old history of the modernization of Japanese Buddhism. Kiyozawa and Suzuki each represent a different, but equally complete, model for the reconceptualization of Buddhism in the modern age.

Kiyozawa Manshi, who sought to revitalize Buddhism as a living, personal faith, believed that it was necessary for Buddhism to respond to contemporary western philosophical currents. His understanding of religious faith is relevant not only for Shinshu followers, but for all Buddhists who struggle to make it meaningful in modern society.