October–December 2008, Volume 35
Features
The Meaning of Giving in the Contemporary World
What “Giving” Really Means
by Yuji Numata
One aspect of the true nature of giving is renunciation of the ego that is at the root of suffering. Giving is necessary, however, for more than just freedom from attachments.
The Enigma of Giving
by Brook Ziporyn
Do we really possess anything in the way we assume? Basic Buddhism says we do not. The act of giving turns our sense of control against itself.
The “Economics of Giving”: An Interface of Varying Perspectives
by Lilian J. Sison and Jaime M. Jimenez
“Giving” is perhaps the expression that exemplifies social accountability and responsibility to other people regardless of their political, social, economic, and cultural background. The act of giving, however, is governed by varying motives, driven by myriad factors, and shaped by different realities.
The Meaning of Giving in the Contemporary World
by Kenichi Otsu
Important changes have taken place in churches’ thinking about giving and receiving, with new emphasis on the causes of poverty in Asian and African nations.
Generosity in Christianity and Pali Buddhism
by Elizabeth J. Harris
In this article I will explore what Christianity and Buddhism, particularly Theravada Buddhism, say about generosity and self-giving. I will do this in the light of our current global crisis, which is worsening because of our inability to share resources equitably.
The Concept of Giving in a Multireligious Perspective
by Jacqueline Rougé
All religions stress the need to effectively attend to the needs of others. Giving is not advocated for its own sake but as a way of showing selfless love and sincere compassion to one’s neighbor.
Words of Encouragement
by Nichiko Niwano
Being careful in the words we use toward each other teaches consideration for the importance and value of each and every life.
Giving: Basis for a Culture of Solidarity and Foundation Stone for a Global Ethic
by Günther Gebhardt
Giving can serve merely to pacify one’s conscience when actually it is necessary to do more.
Religions for Peace
Call from Sapporo: World Religious Leaders Summit for Peace
On July 2–3, the Japanese Committee of the World Conference of Religions for Peace (Religions for Peace Japan) convened the World Religious Leaders Summit for Peace in Sapporo, Hokkaido, with the cooperation of its international body of Religions for Peace. The conference was held shortly before the summit of the Group of Eight leading industrialized nations (G8) held July 7–9 by Lake Toya near Sapporo. The religious summit was attended by about three hundred religious leaders, including one hundred delegates, from twenty-three countries and regions. The participants discussed pressing global issues and worked out a statement to the G8 leaders, which lists areas of concern that they requested the G8 Summit to discuss or tackle in its action plans. Following is the text of the statement, which is entitled “Call from Sapporo: World Religious Leaders Summit for Peace.”
Essays
Health, Disease, and Healing: The Buddhist Contribution
by Pinit Ratanakul
Understanding health only in relation to particular parts of the human organism is unacceptable to Buddhism. In the Buddhist holistic perspective, disease is the expression of the disturbed harmony in our life as a whole.
What a Friend We Have in Jesus . . .
by Notto R. Thelle
Many Japanese Buddhists seem to find in the life of Jesus a radiant model of all they have dreamed of, all they have sought after, because he lived the love that freely gives its life for others.
