현대일본불교의 사회공헌활동에 관한 사례연구- ‘신뇨엔(眞如苑)’을 중심으로 -

Abstract

This article examines the characteristics of the philanthropic activities of Shinnyo-en, focusing on the doctrine, areas, and forms. Shinnyo-en is a typical lay Buddhism in Japan. It was founded in 1936, and philanthropic activities began in 1948. Shinnyo-en sets the goal of its activities as ‘building a future where all find hope in lives.’ This is based on the fundamental doctrine that values the practice of altruism as the core of the Buddha's teachings. Furthermore, the Three Practices of ‘Guiding,’ ‘Giving,’ and ‘Service,’ which are emphasized as the method of performing altruism, are also the ideological bases for philanthropic activities. In the process of actual practices, the principle of listening is emphasized to respect the needs of the field. Also the principle of supporting the self-reliance of others is emphasized in relation to the ideology of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of UN. Shinnyo-en's philanthropic activities are specifically developed in six areas. These areas include disaster support, regional support, international cooperation and talent development, natural environment protection and animal welfare, support for children and the socially disadvantaged, and support for art and culture. The philanthropic activities are carried out in three institutional forms. Firstly, it is a direct activity by Shinnyo-en in which believers take the lead; secondly, it is a form of establishing professional foundations and carrying out support projects; and thirdly, it is a form of partnership activity where donations and fundraising projects are carried out to international organizations or NGOs. Through these three forms, philanthropic activities are carried out in six areas.