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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 Ñbeginning with our own local community. D. Promote Natural Agriculture to ensure safe, nutritious, and tasty food.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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