January–March 2009, Volume 36
Features
The Changing Forms of the Family and the Role of Religion
Bringing the Four Immeasurables into the Family
by Takayo Maruyama
Restoring the Family for Today’s World
by Yoshiaki Sanada
The “breakdown of the family,” about which so much is heard these days, is not a phenomenon unique to Japan; neither is it a phenomenon peculiar to our own time.
The Role of the Family in a “Glocal” World
by Michael Fuss
As families have been bearers of culture in the past, they need to become aware of their new role as heralds of peace and survival for the future of humanity.
Why Twenty-first-Century Families Need Faith Communities
by Michael A. Schuler
Whatever might be said about the role of religion and citizenship, it is clear that almost two centuries later the family continues to be held in high regard.
Putting Our Hands Together Reverently Before Our Families
by Nichiko Niwano
Home is the basic place in which we practice religious discipline, a place in which we can directly contemplate the cause of suffering and free ourselves of our selfishness.
The Family as Focal Point for the Restoration of Inochi
by Minoru Sonoda
In contemporary society the very shape of what constitutes a “family” has been in flux in many ways.
The Dharma of Family
by David R. Loy
Family crisis and breakdown is part of a larger issue for Buddhism: its confrontation with modernity, undoubtedly the greatest challenge it has ever faced.
The Muslim Family Today: Reconciling Tradition with Modernity
by Mehrézia Labidi-Maïza
The Muslim family may look as strong and immutable as a citadel, but in reality it is a fragile citadel. It depends on the emotions and attitudes of its members.
All Are in One Family
by Carol J. Ewer
In the world of impermanence, everything changes. What we deem as traditional or normal is only a moment or period of time as transience takes place. In our Buddhist practice today, if we do not move along with the impermanence, we suffer.
Five “Secrets” for Today’s Families
by Alberto Friso
A noted Italian sociologist offers some detailed suggestions to help young couples who are starting out on married family life achieve a stable union of lasting mutual affection.
Asian Conference of Religions for Peace
Peacemaking in Asia: The Declaration of the Seventh Assembly of the Asian Conference of Religions for Peace
Under the main theme, “Peacemaking in Asia,” the Seventh Assembly of the Asian Conference of Religions for Peace (ACRP) was held in Manila, the Philippines, October 17–20, hosted by the University of Santo Tomas in Manila and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines. Some four hundred people from twenty countries in Asia and the Pacific region representing Asia’s principal religions took part. The participants addressed the problems facing Asia, including armed conflicts, poverty, discrimination, human rights violations, and environmental destruction, and discussed practical ways to make peace.
On the last day, the participants adopted a declaration emphasizing the importance of dialogue. The declaration includes fourteen recommendations as part of an action plan for the next five years, among which are that national chapters establish centers for dialogue at universities or other educational institutions and urge their national governments to strengthen their commitment to nuclear disarmament. Following are excerpts from the declaration with slight revisions.
Essay
Conflict and Dialogue: Peace Building in Islamic Areas and the Role of Asian Religious People
by Mir Nawaz Khan Marwat
Adapted from an address delivered at the International Interfaith Seminar held in Seoul, July 17–19, 2008
Toward a Larger Faith
by Notto R. Thelle
Dialogue
Toward a Universal Ethic for Youth
The Twenty-fifth Niwano Peace Prize Commemorative Dialogue between H.R.H. El Hassan bin Talal and Rev. Nichiko Niwano
The twenty-fifth Niwano Peace Prize was awarded to H.R.H. Prince Hassan of Jordan. Prince Hassan’s tireless interfaith advocacy and leadership in the promotion of peace based on his profound faith in Islam has won him recognition around the world. In this commemorative dialogue with Rev. Nichiko Niwano, president of the Niwano Peace Foundation, on the theme “recommended peace education for young people,” held on May 7, 2008, in Tokyo, he emphasized the importance of focusing on human security and cohesion with the poor.
Reflections
Causes and Conditions behind Our Roles in Life
by Nikkyo Niwano
This essay is part of a continuing series of translations from a volume of inspirational writings by the late 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.
