Happy New Year to you all!  In the beginning of the year, it is a Western custom to make resolution(s) to better oneself.  JAMBO also has made a resolution to better clarify its mission and activities.  People who participate in JAMBO can understand that it provides enjoyable activities.  JAMBO understands that it is the desire of everyone to be happy and enjoy their lives, and the organization hopes to assist in this by providing such opportunities.  However, it is hoped that JAMBO activities move people towards a deeper and more encompassing joy through the development of a more gracious attitude towards others, nature and life in general.  Idealistically, this increasingly delightful, spiritual perspective would move you towards actively pursuing the same for others in society and the natural world at large, bettering the environment in all ways.  The concrete ways in which JAMBO attempts to move in this direction is explained in the mission statement, which can be found at http://www.geocities.jp/jambodave2004jp/newpage2.html (in Japanese) or http://www.geocities.jp/jambodave2004jp/newpage6.html (in English).

   JAMBO is often said to be too broad and open with no clear focus.  I agree that JAMBO is extremely broad and open, and this is appropriate because the philosophy of JAMBO is that EACH OF US seeks internal happiness as well as ways to better our environment (socially and environmentally), however different these methods may differ. JAMBO provides opportunities for people to get involved (in bettering themselves, society, and the natural environment) through its activities, participating in other groups’ (working in these areas) activities, and linking individuals with appropriate groups.  The JAMBO philosophy strongly believes that we CAN create a better world by engendering a joyous and appreciative spirit (on a personal level) and, at the same time, participating in specific, concrete activities for uplifting society and the natural environment.  This is our focus, and we hope you will join us in whatever ways you can to help in the creation of such an enlightened planet.

   Please stay tuned into these monthly messages in order to get a better idea of JAMBO’s specific works and the beneficiaries thereof, as well as the organization’s overall philosophy.  It is hoped that you can find a niche within JAMBO to actively participate in or (better yet) implement your own ideas and activities. 

May your 2006 be filled with Joy, Love, Peace and Laughter,

David Howenstein (Director, JAMBO InternationalCenter)