Note (return) — Chapter VII · - RIYŌBU, OR MIXED BUDDHISM
Reading edition
"Life has a limited span, and naught may avail to extend it. This is manifested by the impermanence of human beings, but yet, whenever necessary, I will hereafter make my appearance from time to time as a god (Kami), a sage (Confucian teacher), or a Buddha (Hotoké)."21