July–September 2006, Volume 33
Features
Religions Working for Peace
Introductory Essay
Interreligious Cooperation among Youth
by Koichi Matsumoto
The Eighth World Assembly of the World Conference of Religions for Peace (WCRP VIII) is fast approaching. For the first time in the WCRP’s history, in addition to the plenary and workshop sessions to be held in Kyoto, a World Youth Assembly of the WCRP will also be held in Hiroshima and Kyoto. . . .
Confronting Obstacles to Peace
Interview with WCRP Secretary-General William F. Vendley
The Eighth World Assembly of the World Conference of Religions for Peace will be convened in Kyoto August 26–29, under the main theme of “Religions for Peace: Confronting Violence and Advancing Shared Security.” Dharma World interviewed the secretary-general of the WCRP, Dr. William F. Vendley, who was recently in Tokyo for the preparation of WCRP VIII, about the significance of the forthcoming World Assembly.
Faith and Peace
by Thomas Graham Jr.
A distinguished U.S. diplomat graphically demonstrates why it is urgent that the leaders of the world’s major religions put aside their differences and unite in search of peace and disarmament.
Religious Leaders Must Serve as Bridges to Peace
by Eiin Yasuda
To construct a peaceful world of happiness for all, we have to begin by creating human beings with righteous hearts.
Religion and Peace
by Fumihiko Sueki
An abstract, universal ideal of peace cannot be successful. Peace must be considered from the standpoint of what sort is desirable and under what conditions.
Let Peace Conquer the World: Religious Learning for an Alternative Globalization
by Johannes Lahnemann
Religions are learning communities. The time has passed when religious communities taught only within their own traditions. The global perspective leads us to transcend such boundaries.
Religion, Spirituality, and Concern for Social Justice
by Swami Agnivesh
Training people to practice justice is a basic religious calling. Only true spirituality can lead us out of darkness and untruth to the light of truth and justice.
Reflections
The Realization of True Wealth
by Nichiko Niwano
Knowing what is sufficient and being satisfied with it means exercising control over the impulse to give in to our desires, thereby recognizing what is enough for our needs.
Why Interreligious Cooperation Is Essential
by Nikkyo Niwano
Essays
Where Are You Staying?
by Notto R. Thelle
People in the East have a unique awareness of religion as a path. Christianity, however, is the doctrine, not the “Way” of Christ. But perhaps we have transformed Christianity into an exceptionally complicated doctrine.
Aspiring to Right Liberation
by Santikaro
Niwano Peace Prize
The Day Is Short and the Work Is Great by Ma’ayan Turner Chairperson of Rabbis for Human Rights
It is a great honor for me to be here to accept the 2006 Niwano Peace Prize on behalf of Rabbis for Human Rights. We feel today both pride and humility before you who have chosen our organization, and before God. I think that we have the right to feel proud of our accomplishments, small as they may be, in a region and a world that is still battered by inhuman conduct. Yet we are humbled by all that remains to be done and by the knowledge that we have not acted, and cannot act, alone. We are thankful for the recognition you have afforded us. Receiving the Niwano Peace Prize encourages, and indeed enables, us to do more. May we, with the help of Heaven, dedicate ourselves to human rights and peace with renewed vigor of spirit and strength of heart. . . .
The Stories of the Lotus Sutra
Kuan-yin
by Gene Reeves
The name of the most popular of all the Buddhist bodhisattvas can be translated as “Regarder of the Cries of the World.” Associated with both wisdom and compassion, this bodhisattva has many different portrayals and manifestations, both male and female.
