|
Buddhist Peacework Published
The Boston Research Center for the 21st Century
(BRC)
has launched a new book, Buddhist Peacework: Creating Cultures of
Peace,
edited by Prof. David W. Chappell and published by Wisdom Publications,
aimed at deepening public awareness and religious understanding of what
peace in its fullest sense actually means. Coinciding with the advent
of the year 2000, designated by the United Nations as the International
Year for the Culture of Peace, the book explores the link between inner
peace and global harmony and examines Buddhism’s development from
isolated monasticism to an engaged form of activism for peace.
With 18 chapters, each by one of the world’s leading
Buddhist practitioners, teachers and social activists, Buddhist Peacework
covers themes such as rebuilding moral cultures and the correlation between
inner peace and outer kindness. Prof. Donald K. Swearer of Swarthmore
College noted at the BRC’s book launch at the American Academy of
Religion annual meeting that one of the main contributions made by the
writers is the practical way that they revive the Buddhist tradition and
apply it to global and everyday concerns. Among the points of emphasis
are the importance not only of mindfulness training but also of dialogue
and social action. The contributors are at the same time religious spokespersons
and world leaders, and several are currently in political exile or struggling
to create social equality and justice under the threat of terrorism and
arrest.
(The book can be ordered from Wisdom Publications on
their website at www.wisdompubs.org or
in the U.S. from 800-272-4050.)
|
