StriderTuna said: this brings up something I realize: the Fallacy of beings sort of defined by desire to follow a religion that espouses abandoning desire.
Well, the goal of Buddhism in general is a state of being known as Nirvana. Like in Hinduism, Nirvana is primarily the end to the cycle of reincarnation: a true death. In Japanese Buddhist folklore, Youkai are below human souls in the reincarnation/karma scale, and are jealous of humans. Their desire is to either obtain humanity or to no longer be chained to the desire that both defines them and their suffering. In this version, it is fine for Youkai to engage in Bhuddist teachings, as they practically hate their existance. This is not the same for either Devas, or more importantly, Youkai who are content with their existence and desires. So it would not really fit in the Touhou scene, if you were to ask me.
Of course, Japanese Buddhist monks are different from monks we are used to in that they are often quite familiar with the vices of life. Drinking is known to occur, as is sex: albeit not often with women. This is probably a better lean towards the original concept of the Middle Way, as purely abstaining from life is seen as forbidden, compared to the aesthetics of Hinduism or Christianity.
Keep in mind that this is usually for Pure Land, not for Zen. Don't get me started on Darma or Bachi.
Byakuren brings up this conflict and addresses why she teaches Buddhism to youkai in SoPm, but I can't remember the specifics. Lots of stuff to do with the youkai mindstate and their existence, IIRC.
Kyouko...what happened?Eh...? Well, you see, I got lost—You're lying, Kyouko...You're crying, aren't you!!N-no, you're wrong...this is just......'gh. H'waah...
