Japan Press Weekly

Tweet

2019 June 26 - July 2 [PEACE]

Jodo-shu Buddhism calls on its member temples to cooperate in anti-nuke signature collection campaign

Jodo-shu, one of the major sects of Buddhism in Japan, has called on its 7,000 member temples to cooperate in the international signature collection campaign in support of the appeal of the Hibakusha for the elimination of nuclear weapons.

In an Akahata interview on June 28, Jodo-shu Peace Association chief Hirose Takuji explained what the sect has done to promote world peace.

Hirose said that the Jodo-shu sect issued an appeal for peace in 2008 which stated that
in order for the sect to contribute to world peace, it is necessary to not just feel remorse for having supported Japan’s past war of aggression but also examine what the sect did during the wartime in response to state policies.

In the appeal, the Jodo sect reflected on its war responsibility and expressed its remorse for supporting Japan’s war of aggression which trampled on the human rights and dignity of peoples in the Asia-Pacific region and ended up killing many of them. The sect declared its position of renouncing war and nuclear weapons and expressed its determination to keep working to create a society which promotes peaceful coexistence and the spirit of empathy.

Hirose explained that the sect will set up an experts’ panel this year to start examining historical materials collected. He also referred to a plan to hold an essay contest for high school students on the topic of their wish for peace.

Hirose noted that the sect decided to actively take part in the anti-nuke signature collection campaign and requested its member temples for cooperation by sending them signature forms. He added that the decision was made because the sect thinks it necessary to carry out more direct activities in addition to providing financial support to overseas students learning in Japan and NGOs.

Hirose said, “Our activities are motivated not by political interest but by a sense of mission as a Buddhist. Based on the principle of abstaining from taking life, we, Buddhists, continue to explore what we can do to help realize lasting peace.”