By saying some Buddhists are "high-minded, devout, and earnest souls," The author imply that the audience usually thinks of Buddhists in less positive terms.
The phrase is in this part: Buddhism in China undoubtedly includes among its adherents many high-minded, devout, and earnest souls who live an idealistic life.
This comes from the book Buddhism and Buddhists in China by Lewis Hodous.
Buddhism is a tradition that focuses on personal spiritual development. Buddhists strive for a deep insight into the true nature of life and do not worship gods or deities. expand all.
