January–March 2014, Volume 41
Features
Aging Societies and Religion
Longevity is a universal hope. Longevity myths and legends in every culture and in every time have reflected the fear of an untimely death and the hope of a long, healthful life. With the medical advances and higher living standards of the second half of the twentieth century, average human life expectancy has lengthened considerably. Longevity is no longer a privilege of the fortunate few.
Longevity has raised new problems, however, with the large and ever-increasing proportion of older people in the world population. According to the UN report “World Population Ageing 1950–2050,” developed countries’ birthrates have fallen, while the number of people sixty years old or more is projected to increase from a fifth of the population in 2000 to a third by 2050. In less developed regions, it will increase to a fifth by 2050.
As you well know, Japan is at the forefront of the aging global population. The number of people older than eighty-five is expected to reach 9.2 percent by 2035. Japan is proud of its people’s longevity. At the same time, however, it faces multiple, complicated problems that put pressure on people socially and psychologically. These problems arise from the shrinking labor force because of the lower birthrate, higher medical costs, a shortage of caregivers, the many elderly people no longer finding meaning in life, the financial burden on families with aged parents, and so on. It is sad to think that humanity is paying a heavy price to fulfill its dream of longevity.
The transition from the short lifespans of the past to the long lifespans of the present is new in the long history of religion. Religion is now challenged to offer new guidance on how people with longer lives can find purpose and support one another. Since aging societies are becoming a concern worldwide, we seek suggestion on fresh approaches for religion to take in dealing with the issues of aging societies.
Features
Restoring Interpersonal Ties in an Ultra-aging Society
by Waichi Hoshina
Buddhism and Japan’s Aging Society
by John W. Traphagan
If children are the ones expected to carry on ancestor rituals and the number of children is dropping precipitously, then there is an inherent problem looming in terms of the capacity to perform the rituals in the future.
Longevity, Aging, and Meditation
by Lewis Richmond
The last third of a life is an ideal time to turn toward spiritual practice, and . . . the teachings and worldview of Buddhism are particularly pertinent to the challenges of aging.
Germany’s Aging Society: What Does This Mean for Us?
by Maren von der Heyde
The aging population and the fall in birthrate pose great challenges not only for Germany but for all industrialized countries. . . . Who will care for us if we need care and attention?
Religion and Longevity in Society
by Vera Araújo
In all the great religions—Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, and so on—the older person has been placed at the center, as the bearer of values, spirituality, and wisdom; as a living witness of life; as a guardian of the cultural and religious memory of the people.
New Lifestyles among Older Persons: Successful Aging in Japan
by Haruo Sagaza
Ikigai . . . is a unique Japanese term that signifies experiencing joy and purpose in life. . . . Ikigai may be described as an essential objective for successful aging.
Seminar Report
Buddhism, the Lotus Sutra, and Human Suffering: Classical, Modern, and Contemporary Approaches A Report on the 2013 International Lotus Sutra Seminar
by Stefan Grace
This is a report on the 2013 International Lotus Sutra Seminar, sponsored by Rissho Kosei-kai and held May 27–June 1, 2013, at the National Women’s Education Center of Japan in Ranzan, Saitama Prefecture.
Essay
A Votary of the Lotus Sutra Will Meet Ordeals: The Role of Suffering in Nichiren’s Thought (1)
by Jacqueline I. Stone
Because Nichiren’s sufferings bore out the predictions of the Lotus Sutra, they legitimated his course of action; identified him as a person whose advent was foretold by the Buddha, endowed with a unique destiny to spread the Lotus Sutra in the evil latter age; and even served to establish the truth of the Lotus Sutra itself.
This article is based on a paper presented at the International Lotus Sutra Seminar held May 27–June 1, 2013, near Tokyo by Rissho Kosei-kai on the theme “Buddhism, the Lotus Sutra, and human suffering: classical, modern, and contemporary approaches.”
