January–February 2005, Volume 32
Emerging Forms of Spirituality
Essays
Emerging Forms of Spirituality
by Mark R. Mullins
The new information technology has now enabled the exploration of various spiritual paths and traditions free of both the direction of a priestly class of religious professionals and the control and constraints of religious institutions.
The Roots of Japanese Spirituality: A Linguistic Exploration
by Toji Kamata
Going beyond views of spirituality as the source of wisdom and compassion, this essay describes it as the compass of life, the fundamental power and orientation directing and driving life, and the indicator and magnetic needle of life.
Drifting Faith: Civil Society and Public Philosophy in Japan
by Tomoya Kaji
In the new public sphere, each individual is supposed to have an image of the ideal society and possess personal aspirations, to link up with others, and work for a better society.
A Vision of the Religion of the Future
by Soho Machida
Belief in a God with a specific name and attributes will one day be replaced by a deepening belief in Something Great that is the cosmic will, and the distinction between monotheism and polytheism will become irrelevant.
A Reflection: Religion and Science in Global Society
by Kuniko Miyanaga
Religion and science claim to know the ultimate truth, although their ultimate truths are unverifiable. They share the same barrier of human thought, although the ways in which they connect to that ultimate truth are different.
War, Environmental Destruction, and Religion: The Spiritual World of Hayao Miyazaki’s Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind
by Martin Repp
The Spiritual World of Hayao Miyazaki’s Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind
Reflections
Learning throughout Life
by Nichiko Niwano
Although birth, aging, sickness, and death are the human lot, the younger generation tends to have a strong aversion to thoughts of aging. Meanwhile, more and more mature people are perplexed about how to live after retirement. What can we do to age in a fulfilling way?
Achieving Peace in a Globalized World
by Nikkyo Niwano
The Stories of the Lotus Sutra
The Jewel in the Topknot
by Gene Reeves
The Buddha has given many gifts and treasures, many sutras, and many practices, but there is one that stands above all the others–the Lotus Sutra.
Conference Report
WCRP Europe Meeting in Italy Focuses on the Role of the Media
by Eva Ruth Palmieri
Buddhist Living
Making a Dream Come True
by Noriko LaMar
A Japanese member of Rissho Kosei-kai now living in the United States addressed the Los Angeles branch meeting on June 27, 2004, the day the organization’s president, Rev. Nichiko Niwano, visited the branch. This is a slightly edited version of her talk.
Gotama Buddha (70)
The Distribution and Veneration of the Buddha’s Relics
by Hajime Nakamura
One man came forth to mediate among the groups disputing to receive the relics, saying he would divide them fairly among the Buddha’s followers.
