Introduction

We are extremely grateful for the great, kind assistance people in the United States are giving to the victims of the earthquake in northeastern Japan. Though nearly two months have passed already since the earthquake, we are still receiving heartfelt messages from the world over. The world has never known such a widespread response with donations as well as so many people’s prayers for the recovery of disaster-stricken communities. It is no exaggeration to say that chants of “Don’t give up!” are now creating a sense of unity among humankind. Now we seem to be regaining our humanity.

Thus far, we have been much attached to the materialistic aspect of this world and lost sight of our true nature. I wonder how many people can give any reasonable answer to the question “Who are you?” Although our true identity is a serious question for us, we have been at the mercy of material civilization and have not faced our true selves. The Japanese news media often use such terms as muen-shakai and kodoku-shi. Muen-shakai means a society or community where people are unconnected with each other. Kodoku-shi means “solitary death.” Originally, human beings were part of the great life force of the universe.

The earthquake in northeastern Japan took many lives and destroyed many towns and communities. But in paying a heavy cost, the afflicted Japanese people are regaining their original, true human nature. For example, some victims are helping others around them and forgetting about themselves. Many young volunteers are coming to the disaster areas. In cities, more people are reconsidering their life of luxury in the hope of living a simpler life. Although people were for a time forced to adapt to the rolling blackouts caused by power shortages brought on by the nuclear power plant accidents, some people still make it a rule to switch off their circuit breakers for a while to save electricity. The earthquake has awakened a rapidly increasing number of people. Buddhism is called a religion of awakening. Now that people are changing their consciousness drastically, we must actively develop dissemination activities to awaken people’s consciousness.

Rev. Kotaro Suzuki is the Director of RK International. We were honored to have had him here over the weekend participating in  a US Leaders Seminar held at the Dharma Center. For the conclusion of his speech,  please go to our website.