Dharma World Buddhist magazine

Published quarterly, Dharma World is a magazine that presents Buddhism as a practical living religion and promotes interreligious dialogue for world peace. It espouses views that emphasize the dignity of life, seeks to rediscover our inner nature and bring our lives more in account with it, and investigates causes of human suffering. It tries to show how religious principles help solve problems in daily life and how the least application of such principles has wholesome effects on the world around us. It seeks to demonstrate truths that are fundamental to all religions, truths on which all people can act.

Dharma World magazine April-June 2013 Modern Meaning of Festivals

IN THIS ISSUE

Modern Meanings of Festivals

Festivals are unique occasions that remind people of their local identity, which many tend to forget in daily life. In northeastern Japan, after the devastation by the massive earthquake and tsunami in March 2011, festivals also have served as occasions to reunite people for reconstruction and to honor the victims. In other countries, too, the role of festivals in adding meaning to the life of individuals and their community as well as preserving local identity can be very important. Though many festivals have become tourist attractions, these events can still enhance the self-identification of local communities and their members. Indeed, since many festivals have sacred origins, religion can be central to promoting festivals' unifying role in contemporary society.