METTĀVERSES
humanistic buddhism
Key Aspects of Humanistic Buddhism
Humanistic Buddhism is a modern movement within Buddhism that seeks to integrate Buddhist teachings into everyday life, focusing on the practical application of Buddhist principles to improve both individual lives and society. It emphasizes the importance of engaging with the world rather than withdrawing from it, and it promotes the idea that Buddhist teachings should be made relevant to contemporary issues and challenges.
Human-Centered Approach: Humanistic Buddhism shifts the focus from traditional Buddhist practices that emphasize enlightenment in a future life or in a monastic setting, to a more human-centered approach that seeks to address the needs and challenges of people in their current lives.
Social Engagement: It encourages Buddhists to actively participate in society, engaging in social issues, community service, and efforts to promote peace, justice, and environmental sustainability.
Universal Values: Humanistic Buddhism advocates for values such as compassion, wisdom, and loving-kindness, which can be universally applied across different cultures and societies. It seeks to promote harmony and understanding among different religious and cultural groups.
Modernization of Buddhism: The movement modernizes traditional Buddhist teachings, making them more accessible and relevant to people in the contemporary world. This often involves reinterpreting ancient texts and practices to fit modern contexts.
Prominent Figures: The movement has been significantly influenced by figures like Master Taixu (1890-1947) and Venerable Master Hsing Yun (founder of the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Order). They sought to reform Buddhism by promoting education, social welfare, and active engagement in the world.
Practical Application: Humanistic Buddhism encourages the application of Buddhist principles in everyday activities, such as work, family life, and community involvement. It promotes the idea that enlightenment and spiritual growth can be achieved through active participation in life, rather than through withdrawal from it.
Global Perspective: While rooted in Chinese Buddhism, Humanistic Buddhism has a global outlook and has been adopted and adapted by Buddhists around the world. It seeks to create a more compassionate and just world by applying Buddhist principles to global challenges.
Humanistic Buddhism is a dynamic and evolving movement that seeks to make Buddhism a living tradition, relevant to the needs and concerns of modern people. In Australia, the Humanistic Buddhism Centre at Nan Tien Institute is the home of research into Humanistic Buddhism.
