April–June 2012, Volume 39
Features
Buddhist Teachings on Spiritual Liberation
Despite all the social, technological, and economic progress of recent years, it is widely recognized that much suffering continues to exist. Buddhists describe our world as the saha-world, a world in which suffering has to be endured.
Throughout history, various religions have taught specific paths to spiritual liberation or salvation. In today’s world, as humanity becomes ever more secular, in many places religion plays a less important role in people’s lives, and Buddhism in Japan is no exception.
What do people today seek from religion for their salvation or spiritual liberation, in our ever-changing world, where many natural and human-caused disasters result in so much distress? What is a Buddhist response to those who are suffering? Further, in our contemporary world, how can individual spiritual liberation contribute to international peace and human happiness, which are Buddhism’s ultimate goals?
The True Way to Liberation
by Nichiko Niwano
When we are aware of the happiness we enjoy, and give thanks for it, our awareness of the bounty of blessings we receive is itself a true path to liberation
Our Buddha-Nature Is a Seed That Grows
by Norio Sakai
How Buddhist Practice Grounds Social Action in a Secular World
by John Makransky
Although many people in our modern, secularized world have rejected religious ways of thinking or have lost touch with spiritual resources previously available in their religious traditions, they search for a deeper grounding for living and serving that only spiritual disciplines can provide.
The Great Hesitation and the Great Liberation: The Long and Short of Karmic R/Evolution
by Mark Unno
Each of us individually and all of us collectively are responsible for the difficulties our species faces. That we are in this together, that we vow to take this journey together, not blaming one another but, rather, embracing our collective karmic responsibility, with a long view to its positive outcome, may be one way to approach the path to our liberation.
What’s Wrong with Me? Resolving the Lack of Self
by David R. Loy
Our emptiness has two sides: the negative, problematic aspect is a sense of lack. The other aspect is being open to, and an expression of, something more than I usually understand myself to be.
The Conception of Suffering and Lotus Sutra Faith in Two Stories by Kenji Miyazawa
by Sarah M. Strong
Miyazawa’s familiarity with the Lotus Sutra and his faith in its saving power had a discernible influence on many of his stories: on their imagery, expressed concepts, and emotional tonality.
An Answer to “What Can I Do Right Now?”
by Hitoshi Jin
Rather than cling to a particular religion’s protocols, ceremonies, and doctrines, we should be like Mother Teresa and simply ask ourselves how we can best help the people we meet.
Spiritual Liberation in Contemporary Society
by Yifa
Seeking spiritual liberation in modern times does not require isolating oneself from society. . . . The whole world and our society are the arena for Buddhist practice.
Japanese Buddhist Responses to the Earthquake and Tsunami
by Miriam Levering
One aspect of Japanese Buddhists’ response to the March 11 earthquake is an appreciation of its reminder that everything is impermanent. The “normal” life we take for granted is fragile, and thus not really normal.
Learning the Truth through Repetition
by Ryojun Shionuma
There is valuable meaning in doing the same things, in the same way, and as devotedly as you can. If you do this, the Way will most assuredly open up.
Natural Disasters and Religion: In Search of an Alternative Way of Life
by Ahangamage Tudor Ariyaratne
There are three factors at the root of all of our personal, national, and global problems. The first is greed; the second is hatred; and the third is ignorance, or delusion. These three evils within our own minds have become so well organized that they bring about all the man-made and, I believe, even natural disasters we are facing at this time
Founder’s Memoirs
Telling the Rest of My Story
by Nikkyo Niwano
In March 1999 an autobiography of Rev. Nikkyo Niwano (1906–99), the founder of Rissho Koseikai, was published in Japanese under the title Kono michi: Ichibutsujo no sekai o mezashite (The path that we have walked: Aspiring to the world of the One Buddha Vehicle). In many of its pages he describes development of Rissho Kosei-kai after 1958, the year it experienced a great turning point as a Buddhist organization. In that year, the twentieth anniversary of the organization’s founding, Founder Niwano declared the Manifestation of the Truth, affirming that the focus of devotion for Rissho Kosei-kai members is the Eternal Buddha Shakyamuni. The book is also a lively account of the life of Founder Niwano as a pioneer of interreligious cooperation, who dedicated himself to liberating all people from suffering with firm faith in the Lotus Sutra. Dharma World will publish excerpts from the book in installments.
Dialogue
Social Reform Based on Buddhist Insight—Examining Western Values
The twenty-eighth Niwano Peace Prize was awarded to Mr. Sulak Sivaraksa, a Thai Buddhist leader, who was honored for his contributions to promoting a new understanding of peace, democracy, and development and for his advocacy of environmental protection, firmly based on the core principles of his Buddhist faith. In this commemorative dialogue with Rev. Kinjiro Niwano, chairman of the Niwano Peace Foundation, on the theme “Social Reform Based on Buddhist Insight—Examining Western Values,” held on July 22, 2011, in Kyoto, he emphasized the necessity of becoming more humble and compassionate to others and also the importance of promoting dialogue with suffering people.
