Paper short abstract:

In this paper I will compare 親鸞 (1173-1263) and Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) to contribute to the development of comprehensive understanding on the Japanese intellectual history through grasping the difference and similarity about the key conceptions of both: 慈悲 (Jihi) and Love (amor, caritas).

Paper long abstract:

When began Japanese Philosophy? Japanese Philosophy appeared at the Meiji period not suddenly. Of course, by that time we had no concept of "Philosophy" under the context like in Western intellectual history. However it is unavoidable for us to look back at the background of Japanese intellectual history which is composed of Shintoism, Japanized Buddhism and the world of poetry Waka like 萬葉集（Manyōshū), when we try to understand modern Japanese Philosophy fundamentally. With these background Japanese leading thinker in Meiji era, e.g. Kyoto school, wrestled with the reception of Western Philosophy which consists of mainly Greek Philosophy and Christianity.

In this paper I will treat 親鸞 (Shinran, 1173-1263) who is the patriarch of 浄土真宗(Shin-Buddhism) and Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) who is Scholastic representative of Catholic to contribute to the development of comprehensive understanding on the Japanese intellectual history through grasping the difference and similarity. The Thinkers play the important role in the 13 Century in Japan and Europe. While they have similarities structure as "the salvation of religion", these two religions have difference way to the salvation. For the former it is important to rely on Hongan of Amida-Buddha and for the latter, to attain the trine God with love through integrating the desires. In other words, the key of the salvation is for Shinran absolute Other-Power and for Thomas Self-Power. I will compare Shinran's 慈悲 (Jihi) with Thomas's Love (amor, caritas) based on the interpretation of their texts.