Jonathan S. Watts: Using the Four Noble Truths as a Framework for Buddhist Chaplaincy in Japan

Jonathan Watts shares a framework of an iceberg, in which direct violence (the 1st Noble Truth), on the tip of the iceberg, is masked by structural and cultural violence (the 2nd Noble Truth) beneath the iceberg. He shares some of the work that he and others are doing through the International Network of Engaged Buddhists, especially in Japan, to address social transformation, not simply social welfare. He offers two inspiring case studies of Japanese Buddhist priests who are using skillful means, including meditation and virtual reality rooms, to help people who are suffering from depression and suicidal ideation.