Volume XIII, Number 2 • Spring 2001
Spirituality

Some Japanese Religious Sources of Nikkei Values
by the Rev. Donald C. Drummond

Bridging Generations
by the Rev. Tesshi Aoyama

A Spiritual Evolutions
by the Rev. John Oda

Searching for a Mustard Seed
by Diane Ames

Preaching into Practice
by the Rev. Lloyd Wake

Spirituality and Tai Chi
by Peter Yamamoto

Welcome New Members!

Member News

Program Calendar

This issue's theme, Spirituality, explores yet another level of the present consciousness of our multigenerational Nikkei community, particularly their attitudes related to the cultivation of spirit and personal values.

So what form does this spirituality take? In the past, our traditional Nikkei institutions conveyed a great deal of resonance in matters of ethics, morality, and sense of purpose. At present, rapid technological change forces us to seek ways to lessen our frustrations and tensions; to provide a framework to support a sense of well being and guidance systems to help us better cope by offering a broader social purpose by which to redirect our lives.

Such words as “nirvana” and “karma” have lost the sanctity of their original meanings, having been popularized in America’s lexicon. Has our view of spirituality become Wonder Bread rather than communion with the sanctified body of Christ? As our community evolves, can we no longer embrace a distinct Nikkei spirituality defined by traditions of Shinto and Buddhism?

Rather than posing answers, we present different viewpoints from people in our community who, motivated by spirituality, are making a significant impact. More often than not, they are providing a quiet but urgent activism behind the scenes, sometimes going against the grain of their more conservative peers. These voices of spiritualism are those of clarity, diversity, and passion.

- Ken Kaji, Editorial Committee