January–March 2011, Volume 38
Features
What Is True Wealth?
Modern civilization is based on a belief in continuing economic growth, which is possible only with the continued consumption of huge amounts of natural resources. The limits to growth have been widely understood for decades, but many of us are still believing, or trying to believe, that our GNP or GDP can continue to grow eternally. The systematic impetus for economic growth destroys the natural environment, widens the income gap both domestically and internationally, and even will leave to our future generations serious problems to solve for them to be able to survive. In search of the material wealth, many people become wary of competition and feel alienated.
Do we not now need to seek a truer notion of wealth more urgently than ever? A truer notion would value spiritual health, family ties, and appreciation of nature as much as material well-being. A truer notion of wealth would encourage humanity to pursue the kind of social progress that is not measured by GNP or GDP. We believe that religion, which propounds moderation and the value of spiritual wealth, can provide an answer to that question and show us how to put new, balanced ideas about wealth into practice.
Choosing Quality over Quantity
by Yoichi Noguchi
Looking Beyond Growth: Refocusing Development on Human Capacity and Community
by Katherine Marshall
A longtime development specialist recognizes that its promise has yet to be fulfilled in many places and that the world faces three central challenges in achieving even basic goals.
A Perspective for Creating Local Communities Promoting People’s Happiness
by Takayoshi Kusago
This author offers two detailed suggestions, but warns of the need for caution in designing socioeconomic development programs to achieve the goal.
Beyond Wealth: Toward a “Slow Life” and Well-being
by Keibo Oiwa
This author describes a “slow life” as the intellectual, practical, and spiritual pursuit of a new lifestyle that goes beyond the present global economic level of awareness. This is a revised version of a keynote speech delivered at the 2010 International Cittaslow Assembly of Korea in Seoul, June 28, 2010.
How Can True Wealth Be Achieved?
by Kathy R. Matsui
Religion, which equals immeasurable wealth, is one way, but most people in modern society tend to focus their interest on material well-being.
The Wealth of a Community: A Sri Lankan Reflects on What It Means to Be Rich or Poor
by Harsha Kumara Navaratne
When he thinks back to his childhood, the writer recalls that his family lacked many material things but had a different kind of wealth. If any problem arose, others would be there to offer support.
Discover Your Hidden Treasure: An Invitation to the Contemplative Path
by Ruben L. F. Habito
As we learn to stop and see in a habitual and sustained way, our eyes are opened to the countless treasures that lie right within our reach.
Mindfulness in the Rehabilitation Setting
by Jane Perri
A member of Rissho Kosei-kai in the United States describes her personal experience in helping substance-abuse victims recover from their addiction through teaching meditation and mindfulness.
Finding a Life Worth Living
by Nichiko Niwano
Interview
Japan’s Religions Should Become Aware of Socially Responsible Investing
by Mizue Tsukushi
The Good Bankers Co., Ltd., is Japan’s first independent investment advisory company devoted to social investment research in Japan. In the Japanese market, The Good Bankers Co., Ltd., is a pioneer with the first investment product based on the concept of socially responsible investment (SRI). In September Dharma World interviewed the company’s founder and president, Ms. Mizue Tsukushi, about the religious background of SRI and its increasing significance in today’s society.
Conference Report
Religions for Peace: The 40th Anniversary
Events commemorating the fortieth anniversary of the World Conference of Religions for Peace took place in Kyoto and Nara, September 20–27, 2010. The events included several conferences, and speakers addressed the overall theme, “To Inspire the Concept of ‘Mahoroba [a beautiful place]’ throughout the World: A Message from Japan, the Last Outpost of the Silk Road.” Some of the main events included the Islam Religious Leaders’ Discussion and the Conference of World Religious Leaders on the “Vision of Mahoroba.” The events in Nara were held in partnership with the Association for Commemorative Events of the 1,300th Anniversary of the Nara Heijo-kyo Capital. The Islam Religious Leaders’ Discussion convened September 20–22 to draft a message of peace and nonviolence based on Islam and to promulgate it to the world. Twelve Islamic leaders from nine countries took part and adopted “The Message of Islam for Peace and Coexistence.”
Essays
Farewell Ceremonies—for Things
by Riccardo Venturini
Even in modern Japan, memorial services are still conducted for some everyday objects that have served human beings long and well but can no longer be used.
The Nonduality of Ecology and Economy
by David R. Loy
A Buddhist voice is needed to foster the political will to solve the world’s present eco-crisis.
