FROM
SHUMEI MAGAZINE, Vol. 240. JULY/AUGUST 2002
The
Shumei Earth Charter 2001
In
December 1999, numerous members of Shumei participated in the
Parliament of World Religions in Cape Town, South Africa. At that
time, Shumei made the commitment to support the Earth Charter.
In January 2000, the Shumei Men's Group organized a committee
to create a Shumei Earth Charter. They met together monthly in
Misono, and sometimes traveled to local centers to obtain members'
input. The Shumei Earth Charter was finalized and approved, and
on December 23, it was introduced to the entire membership in
Misono. The text of the Charter follows.
Preamble
We
believe the common hope of humankind is to preserve a sustainable
way of life upon the earth and to contribute to the development
of a global ethic of harmony and respect toward one another.
Believing that the teachings of our founder and spiritual leader,
Mokichi Okada, reflect a commitment to these values, we wish to
present the following six principles based on those teachings.
This represents a written commitment to work in partnership with
other responsible world organizations toward that goal.
We wish to adopt a standard of conduct that will encourage adherence
to these principles and to living our lives with sincerity and
truth. This conduct supports a greater vision for a more democratic,
political, economic, and social environment, supporting equal
opportunity for all people, nationally, regionally, and globally.
We hope and believe the realization of these dreams will create
a true state of heaven on earth.
I.
Respect
and Concern for Nature
A.
Remember with gratitude that much of the beauty and many of the
benefits of our life come from Nature.
B.
Learn from Nature about the harmonious interdependency and development
of all ecosystems.
C.
Adhere to the values of sincerity and truth to promote ethics
for an equitable relationship of the world's communities, industries,
and economies „beginning with our own local community.
D.
Promote Natural Agriculture to ensure safe, nutritious, and tasty
food.
II.
The
Encouragement and Promotion of World Peace
A.
Work towards the understanding of the differences and similarities
among all nationalities, races, religions, cultures, and genders.
Have respect for each.
B.
Work towards the non-violent settlement of issues between all
people through communication, understanding, and negotiation.
III.
Promotion
of Ethical and Moral Values
A.
Keep a positive and caring attitude, doing our best not to sow
discontent in our relationships with others.
B.
Be wary of behaving in an egotistical way.
C.
Be truthful and dependable, honoring commitments and promises.
D.
Be modest, polite, and gentle.
E.
Avoid being biased, keeping a fair and open mind when dealing
with others.
IV.
Love
for Others
A.
Be considerate of others, striving to bring them joy through our
own efforts.
B.
Cultivate inner peace in ourselves, and promote healing and inner
peace in others by the practice of Jyorei.
V.
The
Education of Children
A.
Raise children with healthy minds as well as healthy bodies, promote
education for all children regardless of gender or economic standing,
and encourage learning from Nature.
B.
Become more aware of our attitudes and behavior, and how they
influence our children.
VI.
Be
Inspired by Beauty in Our Daily Lives
A.
Build character and cultivate a sense of beauty by availing ourselves
of every opportunity to experience art in any or all of its forms.
B.
Promote cleanliness and beauty in our surroundings, the preparation
of our food, and in our own personal hygiene. Encourage a sense
of beauty, gentleness, and peace and an appreciation of art in
some form in our daily life and our surroundings.
C.
Make a sincere effort to behave in an elegant manner. Be careful
in our choice of words.
Our
Aim
To
develop, maintain, and preserve a sustainable ecological environment
on Earth. To foster a caring for the environment among the peoples
of the world. To contribute to global security and world peace.
