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Venerable Master Hsing Yun and the Reinterpretation of the “Pure Land” within Humanistic Buddhism
This essay examines the teaching of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, one of the leading active proponents of Humanistic Buddhism. It begins by discussing the historical and contemporary status of Humanistic Buddhism, contextualizing it as a movement borne out of modernist influences and demands placed upon Buddhism to adapt and reform according to an everchanging social world. Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s notion of “the Pure Land,” a Buddhist concept he reinterprets as demanding the creation of an “earthly” Pure Land is examined. This interpretation, it is argued, is tied to pragmatic concerns regarding the necessity to reform Buddhist practices in order to successfully spread Buddhist teachings in the modern world. The essay draws parallels between the example of socially engaged practices of Christian missions at the turn of the century in China and the rationale underlying the drive to reform among nascent Humanistic Buddhists, such as in the teaching of Master TaiSxu. The example of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s advocacy for creating an “earthly” Pure Land demonstrates how contemporary Humanistic Buddhist theory follows this logic and interprets traditional Buddhist teachings as advocating for socially engaged practices among both monastics and laypeople. To this end, Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s teaching regarding “life education” reinterprets spiritual development as practices designed to improve the external world rather than solely the individual’s internal world. This is demonstrated in Fo Guang Shan’s strategy of spreading Buddhism in mainland China through cultural education and activities rather than proselytization.
Zen Master Seung Sahn’s Teaching of “Don’t Know Mind” and its Contribution to Gender Equality in Western Buddhist Communities
Although Buddhism has an egalitarian philosophical framework, the story of women’s equity within Buddhist communities throughout history has run parallel to the story of women’s equity in society. The emergence of Buddhism in the West has brought changes in the progress of gender equality in Buddhist communities. This paper focuses on the most basic and simple teaching of Zen Master Seung Sahn, the “don’t know mind.” His contribution to establishing Zen Buddhism from Korea to the West has influenced a new dynamic that has emerged within Buddhist communities in the West—the inclusion of women in leadership roles within these communities. Throughout history, men have dominated the narrative and defined what it is to be a woman, and men have controlled the outcomes for women and their experiences within their own spiritual practice. Today we see more and more women shaping the way Buddhism is practiced, just as we also see more women than ever becoming teachers and leaders in Buddhist communities outside of Asia.
Visiting Scholars and Visiting Students Program Application Guidelines Fo Guang Shan Institute of Humanistic Buddhism
cholars and Visiting Students Program Application Guidelines Fo Guang Shan Institute of Humanistic Buddhism 相關附件 A.Purpose To promote scholarly research on Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s teaching of Humanistic Buddhism, catalyze interdisciplinary conversations and innovative perspectives on the study.....
BUDDHIST PILGRIMAGE: “FIXED AND PORTABLE SANCTITY FOR CHINESE BUDDHIST PILGRIMS”
BLE SANCTITY FOR CHINESE BUDDHIST PILGRIMS” 主講者 / Lecturer：Professor Lewis Lancaster 摘要 / Abstract： Buddhism has developed pilgrimage patterns that relate to both fixed and immovable sites as well as establishing new places of spiritual power. These varied practices influenced the way in which art, .....
New English Edition of Buddha-Dharma: Pure and Simple Offers Deeper Insights into Humanistic Buddhism
of Buddha-Dharma: Pure and Simple was officially released by Fo Guang Shan Institute of Humanistic Buddhism (FGSIHB) in late August 2024, available as a three-volume box set. New English Edition of Buddha-Dharma: Pure and Simple Offers Deeper Insights into Humanistic Buddhism Each volume of Buddha-.....
Human World Buddhism at Fo Guang Shan: Localising Anthropocentric Dharma
In this short essay, I look at “Humanistic Buddhism” as taught and practiced at Fo Guang Shan 佛光山 according to the vision of Venerable Master Hsing Yun 星雲 (born 1927). My first aim is to add some conceptual clarity around the misleading English term “Humanistic Buddhism,” and to propose alternative terms such as “Human World Buddhism” or “Anthropocentric Buddhism.” Secondly, I add some reflections about the tension between what I term “centripetal” (parochial, insider-oriented) and “centrifugal” (global/glocal, outreach-oriented) modes of engagement in the context of Fo Guang Shan. Finally, I look at the underlying ethos of dharmic “service” to the community in the context of “appropriate” or “skillful means.”
The Application of Filial Piety Based on the Filial Piety Sutra to Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Order
Studies on Humanistic Buddhism II: Practical Applications: Venerable Master Hsing Yun on Humanistic Buddhism
Studies on Humanistic Buddhism II: Practical Applications: Venerable Master Hsing Yun on Humanistic Buddhism
Managing the Mind: at the Heart of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Applied Management
Venerable Master Hsing Yun founded Fo Guang Shan and established the operational management guidelines for the monastery: collective effort, leadership by system, doing only what is in accord with Buddhism, and relying on nothing but the Dharma. He also clearly defined the organizational principles and functions of Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA), so that both monastics and lay disciples have a set of regulations and procedures for the sustainable development of the Fo Guang community. The issues of financial control and the exercise of authority are inevitable in the operation of an organization. Venerable Master Hsing Yun also put forward his views on managing money, exercising authority, and handling human resources. In his opinion, the primary objective of managing human affairs is to manage the mind, which is no different from the practice of the Dharma. Furthermore, one must flexibly practice compassion and wisdom simultaneously, so that the entire organization achieves the ideal state of oneness and coexistence. Venerable Master Hsing Yun holds in high regard the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss as a realm where “all of the most virtuous people are gathered in a single place,” and looks up to Amitābha Buddha as the greatest management expert. He has infused a sense of sanctity into the secular concept of management, and also demonstrated a positive connection between worldly dharma and Buddha Dharma.
EXPRESSIONS OF THE DHARMA: BUDDHIST ART & CULTURE IN EVERYDAY LIFE
the English edition of the Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts, the Institute of the Study of Humanistic Buddhism (ISHB) at University of the West and Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple are pleased to host the conference, "Expressions of the Dharma: Buddhist Art and Culture in Everyday Life," that wi.....
