Human Rights in the Twenty-first Century: A Dialogue
with Austregésilo de Athayde
 |
Pub. Year
2009
Publisher
I.B. Tauris
(*Acquired by Bloomsbury Publishing in 2018)
ISBN
978-1-84511-988-1
|
Born of their struggles to uphold human rights this dialogue represents the coming together of two kindred spirits, Austregésilo de Athayde (1898-1993) and Daisaku Ikeda. Athayde was president of the Brazilian Academy of Letters and, as Brazilian representative to the United Nations, a decisive voice in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. Finding that Buddhist principles can enrich the human rights movement, they aim to convey a "new humanism" which encapsulates the spirit of the declaration, the supreme value of the human being.
Ikeda pinpoints the heart of this "new humanism" as the "firm belief in the absolute equality" of all people based on the universal dignity or Buddhahood inherent within in all life. From the recognition that all people share a common humanity, a sense of brotherhood replaces obsession with such differences as nationality, ideology and culture. Athayde writes that the impetus for resolving the most difficult obstacle in drafting the universal declaration—diversity of opinion—was "enthusiasm" for their "shared humanity."
The second tenant is the utilization of "non-violent, compassionate dialogue" to unite people who are in opposition and effect change. The co-authors cite the achievements of Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela as proof that non-violent means are a powerful alternative to war and aggression.
The Bodhisattva way, the third tenant, is rooted in belief in the dignity within all people. Ikeda states it "combines the interests of self and of others" and calls for individuals to accept and constantly strive to manifest their own Buddhahood through compassionate action for the happiness and general well being of others.
Athayde and Ikeda designate Shakyamuni, whose life and philosophy was the first clear statement of the importance of individual human rights, as the inspiration for the human rights movement. Crystallized in their new humanism, they define "equality, liberty and brotherhood" as the "sacred rights of all human beings" and characterize the path to a universal culture of human rights as synonymous with the spiritual evolution of humanity. Athayde and Ikeda advocate an inspiring model of behavior for both individuals and human rights activists in the creation of peace for the 21st century.
Human Rights in the Twenty-first Century is also available in Japanese and Portuguese.
CONTENTS
Preface by Austregésilo de Athayde
Preface by Daisaku Ikeda
- Towards the Century of the Renaissance of Human Rights
Armed with Words
Recollections of Youth
Holy Orders to Journalism
Recollections of Parents and Wife
The Brazilian Academy of Letters
- Continuing the Fervent Spirit of Humanism
Champions of Human Rights
Five Concrete Proposals
Mandela University
The Practice of Satyāgraha
Transcending Obsession with Differences
- Carrying the Banner of Humanism
Mentors and Disciples Find Each Other
Gandhi's Heritage from Shakyamuni
The Enlightenment
Loving and Trusting
- The Universal Declaration of Human Rights: An Eternal Guiding Light for All Peoples
Not to Repeat the Tragedy of the Second World War
Friendships with Mrs. Roosevelt and Dr. Cassin
Committee Three
Responding and Revising
The Buddhist Viewpoint
- Towards a Spiritually United World; Tracing Human Rights Thought
Philosophical Foundation
Two Currents
Confronting Ignorance
Ancient Greek and Roman Philosophers
Power from Within
Equality Arising from the Universal Law
- Expanding the Network of Humanism Around the Globe
Dialogue with Patience
Passionate Self-sacrifice
Integrated Rights
Respect for the Dignity of All Life Forms
Global Influence
The Universality of the Declaration
Human Rights in the Light of the Three Realms of Existence and the Theory of Eshō-funi
- Treasuring the Dignity of Each Individual
Freedom of the Spirit
Freedom of Thought in Peril
Separation of State and Religion
Corrupt Buddhist Priesthood
- Path to the New Century of Human Rights
Education: The First Prerequisite of Progress
New Perspectives and Ideals
The Pursuit of Happiness
Brazilian Education
- Towards the New Millennium
Proof of the Possibility of Peace
The Right to Live in Peace
Symbiosis of Humanity and Nature
Human Development
A Model Bodhisattva
The Advent of a New Humanism
- Paternal Images
Immortal Achievements of Champion of Human Rights
The Meaning of Life
At Life's Major Stages
Hardships in Youth
Treasured People, Treasured Beloved Books
Unforgettable Encounters
A Wholesome, Active Way of Life
Fervour Bordering on Obstinacy
Like Long-lost Comrades
Supporting the United Nations
Fighting Against Unjust Authority and Power
Hope and Courage for the People
Free Expression
The Most Beautiful Women in Rio de Janeiro
Strength from Trees and Stars
No Linguistic or Racial Barriers
Peace and Human Rights are Inseparable
Glossary
Notes
Index
