Japanese New Religions in the West, Peter B. Clarke & Jeffrey Somers (eds.), Japan Library (1994)
Synopsis:
Japan's new and 'new' new religious movements which have established themselves in the West are both expanding and in general highly active. Among the best known are Soka Gakkai International, Mahikari, Seicho-no-Ie, the MOA Foundation, Tenrikyo and Rissho-koseikai.
Though invariably deriving their inspiration from traditional sources, as a group they share distinct characteristics: they al stress the importance of pacifism, environmental care and protection and world transformation. They also all claim to heal, the all followers will receive benefits in this life and that, in most cases, Japan is the promised land.
This volume, which also offers a valuable insight into some of the cultural values of contemporary Japan, is the first to address the subject in any detail, and includes contributions from a number of distinguished scholars from Europe and the United States.
From Chapter One:
'What cannot be ignored is... The steady advancement overseas (of Japan's new religious movements) with the aim of transforming people's lives by influencing the major issues of the modern world, such as those of peace and war, attitudes to work and the environment, as well individual health, well-being and prosperity.'
List of Contributors:
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Edited by Peter B. Clarke & Jeffrey Somers
Hardback: 168 pages
ISBN: 1-873410-24-7
Published by Japan Library/Curzon Press, Kent, UK (1994)
Copyright © 2006 Peter B. Clarke. All rights reserved.