September–October 2004, Volume 31
The Increasing Importance of Dialogue and Cooperation
Essay
The Increasing Importance of Dialogue and Cooperation among Religions
by Michio Matsubara
Interview
Bringing Out the Best in Each of Us
An Interview with Bishop Gunnar Stalsett
Essays
Buddhism Spreads to the West: Liberation Requires Eternal Vigilance
by Taigen Dan Leighton
The principles of liberty and justice for all as articulated in the U.S. Declaration of Independence resonate strongly with the Mahayana ideal of universal liberation.
Our World, Our Jewel: Engaged Buddhism and the Lotus Sutra
by Bret Lortie
Although the sutra does not contain specific instructions for changing the world, its liberation theology has spawned many social reform movements, especially in Japan.
Interreligious Forum
Interreligious Dialogue Can Play a Key Role in the World at Large
by Martin Repp
Systematic training in the open exchange of ideas between Christianity and East Asian faiths is offered by the Interreligious Studies in Japan Program being conducted in Kyoto.
A German Catholic Priest Brings Zen to Rome
by Eva Ruth Palmieri
This unusual and charismatic clergyman preaches the importance of being open to, listening to, and learning from, the spiritual traditions of others.
Reflections
Compassion in Everyday Buddhist Life
by Nichiko Niwano
The following is the text of the address delivered by Rev. Niwano at a Buddhist-Christian symposium held at Castel Gandolfo in Italy, April 23–28. Noting that “compassion begins with unselfish consideration for others,” he concludes that the ultimate goal is for all human beings to attain happiness.
The Danger That Democracy Faces?
by Nikkyo Niwano
The Stories of the Lotus Sutra
The Dragon Princess
by Gene Reeves
In this tale, the Lotus Sutra teaches us that women are as capable of becoming fully awakened buddhas as men; it also forces us to challenge our own assumptions about gender and gender roles, and shows us that each and every one of us is already a buddha in the process of becoming.
Buddhist Living
With the Buddha at the Starting Line of Life
by Rika Fujii
From a childhood filled with fear and distrust of others, one woman became aware, through the Buddha and others, that she does not live in isolation but is supported by many people who care.
The Mainstay of My Life
by Michihiro Mochizuki
Taking things for granted, we can fall into the habit of doing things only because they have to be done. One man caught himself doing this and was able to renew his work with a loving, caring spirit.
Gotama Buddha (68)
The Buddha’s Death Is Mourned
by Hajime Nakamura
The early Buddhist texts tell us that the disciples grieved over the death of their master. But the Buddha’s passing was one with the natural law to which all living beings are subject. It was not a retribution for sin or an atonement for the sins of others. It was simply a manifestation of the law of impermanence.
