January–March 2010, Volume 37
Features
Help in Overcoming Alienation
Restoring Interpersonal Relationships
by Kimiko Shinozaki
The increasingly widespread incidence of people who are lonely, estranged, and isolated from others is one of the most unhealthy social phenomena that now characterize modern Japanese society. Shifts toward nuclear families, having fewer children, and more frequent divorce are contributing to the ongoing dissolution of traditional Japanese ties among families and local communities. Problems at work or with other interpersonal relationships are forcing many people into a state of spiritual isolation and more of them are suffering from depression. . . .
Rethinking Capitalism, Religion, and Alienation
by Sulak Sivaraksa
Religion may in fact help anchor capitalism and trap us in its violent deadlock ad infinitum. Or to be even more blunt, to be truly against capitalism one must be against certain religious practices and thoughts.
The Dharma of Alienation
by David R. Loy
New media technologies sometimes encourage a kind of “hyper-individualism” because we spend less and less time meeting and interacting with other people – often not even with members of our own families.
How Religion Can Help Overcome Feelings of Isolation
by Eric M. Cherry
One way religious communities can address the problem is by developing ministries and disciplines that both fulfill their traditional callings and make use of twenty-first-century communication tools.
From Disparities in Compassion to Mutual Support
by Keishin Inaba
Religions can use their “social capital” to promote humanitarian volunteer work, which in turn spreads a spirit of compassion that helps build a society of mutual support.
Creating Hope by the Way We Live
by Robert Traer
We cannot change the natural cycles of life, nor can we escape the unavoidable suffering of death. We can, however, resist the avoidable suffering caused by damage to the biosphere by acting now to restore Earth’s carbon cycle.
Fifty Years of Rissho Kosei-kai in America
“I Am Always Abiding Here, Teaching the Dharma”
by Nichiko Niwano
Real Invitation, Welcome, and Inclusion
by John Michael Schuh
The following is the edited text of a testimonial speech by a member of Rissho Kosei-kai of New York at the fiftieth anniversary celebration in Las Vegas on August 1.
Think Big!
by Gene Reeves
This article is adapted from a talk delivered by the author on August 1, 2009, at a ceremony in Las Vegas commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of Rissho Kosei-kai’s activities in North America. Some parts were also used in a talk given in Tokyo earlier that year.
Interview
Dialogue That Opens Us to Others’ Religious Experiences
An Interview with Dr. Cinto Busquet, the author of Incontrarsi nell’Amore (Encounter in Love)
Essay
To Build a Civilization of Love
by Harold Kasimow
The author of this essay feels that the views on interreligious dialogue held by the head of the Roman Catholic Church have been misconstrued. The pope believes that such dialogue may help reduce violence and promote justice and peace, but its ultimate goal is the quest for truth. It must not only be about recognition of similarities, but also about the differences.
Reflections
Each of Us Has a Role in World Peace
by Nikkyo Niwano
This essay is part of a continuing series of translations from a volume of inspirational writings by the founder of Rissho Kosei-kai. Dharma World will continue to publish these essays because of their lasting value as guidance for the practice of one’s daily faith.
