New Chan Forum 26

Thoughts from a Darkened World

The World situation is dark indeed. After Afghanistan, Palestine; after Palestine, India and Pakistan. Where will it end? I continue to receive texts of well meaning intent. I ponder what exactly should be the attitude of Buddhist practitioners to these issues. It is far from clear where the right course lies. This journal is not averse to writings on social and political issues but any partial solution is rapidly outdated and may become inappropriate. A listing of some perspectives that demand our attention is however helpful and these we should consider. A modern Buddhist cannot isolate him/herself from the global situation.

This issue contains thoughtful articles which bear substantially on our world problems and those of Buddhism within it. We recommend them to your attention. Eds.

Contents

• Aspirational Prayer, Chuan deng jing di
• Chan Hall Thoughts: Perspectives On The World Predicament, Chuan deng jing di
• Justice, Sustainability And Participation, Peter Reason
• Poem: Warmed By Apricots, Jason Miller
• Meme Weeding, Susan Blackmore
• Don't Destroy The Emotions Of People, Chan Master Sheng Yen
• Obituaries:
  • Ann Hodgson, James Crowden
  • David Brandon, Ken Jones
• Poems: In A Dark Land, Yes, John Crook
• The World of The Chakmas, Ian Finlay
• Retreat Report: Pain In Space, Space In Pain
• Sometimes In And Sometimes Out, Jo Horwood
• Photograph: Ox, Sophie Muir
• Photographs: Dharma Drum Retreat Center, Simon Child