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The Historic Position of Humanistic Buddhism from the Viewpoint of the Process of Sinicization of Buddhism
Buddhism was founded by Śākyamuni Buddha, and is both a religion and a philosophy. As a religion, Buddhism has a unique belief system, organizational structure, and way of embodying belief through practice (including religious services). Compared to other religions, Buddhism has distinctive characteristics. With the exception of Buddhism, religions believe in an almighty god who is the center of their faith and doctrine. This god is the focus of their worship, and the purpose of their faith is salvation from sin. In contrast, Buddhism has an underlying doctrine and practice of “non-self.” This doctrine rejects the existence of any extrinsic god. It also denies the presence of an intrinsic soul. Therefore, the purpose of its belief is not to receive deliverance from sin, but rather to realize liberation from life’s pain and hardship.
Interpreting Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Commentaries on the Guanyin Faith
Along with the modernization of Buddhism and the theoretical and practical development of Humanistic Buddhism by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, devotion to Guanyin has also undergone a humanistic transformation. The main characteristics of this humanistic transformation are a shift in emphasis from a dependence on divine blessings toward independent self-awakening, and a shift in practice from passive prayer toward active spiritual cultivation. By analyzing his thoughts on divine connection, liberation, and practice as laid out in his commentaries on Guanyin, this paper explores Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s contribution to the humanistic turn in Guanyin devotion, i.e., enlightenment not through worship and prayer, but through individual spiritual cultivation aimed at emulating and then becoming one with Guanyin.
