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Recrafting Role Models: A Discussion of the Contemporary Application of Buddhist Life Education Through the Comic—The Ten Great Disciples
As an aspect of social life, religion has the adaptive function of helping humans overcome psychological and daily obstacles, attaining inner stability and peace of mind; the integrative function of consolidating group cohesion through common beliefs, bringing out the organizational power of human communities; and the cognitive function of solving the enigma of ultimate meaning, answering fundamental questions on life, the universe, existence, and morality for humans. These three functions of religion imply its capacity to meet the three essential needs of survival, community integration, and addressing the ultimate concern in life, hence its importance cannot be understated.
The Buddha in Humanistic Buddhism
Generally speaking, ancient Indian people were more mystic in that they sought by contemplation and self-surrender to obtain unity or identity with the deity Mahābrahma, or the absolute or ultimate reality that is beyond human intellect understanding. But Siddhārtha Gautama, the historical Buddha, was quite different from them. He was more practical and concerned only with the things that were conducive to the elimination of human suffering and he did not believe in the very existence of a supreme god and an eternal soul.
How to Establish Humanistic Buddhism
To build a clear picture of Humanistic Buddhism, it would be best to start from a position that is based on the views of popular perception. Therefore, it is necessary to briefly explain the thoughts that are generally held in regard to Buddhism. Although more than two millennia have passed since Buddhism’s introduction into China, and traces of its existence can be seen in almost every corner of the poor and remote countryside, the truth about Buddhism is still hardly understood. As a result, the spirit and strength of Buddhism cannot be fully expressed.
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.
On the This-Worldly Emphasis of Humanistic Buddhism
As an aspect of social life, religion has the adaptive function of helping humans overcome psychological and daily obstacles, attaining inner stability and peace of mind; the integrative function of consolidating group cohesion through common beliefs, bringing out the organizational power of human communities; and the cognitive function of solving the enigma of ultimate meaning, answering fundamental questions on life, the universe, existence, and morality for humans. These three functions of religion imply its capacity to meet the three essential needs of survival, community integration, and addressing the ultimate concern in life, hence its importance cannot be understated.
