“Humanistic Buddhism” in the Chinese-Speaking World

Its Idea and Practice

Abstract

“Humanistic Buddhism” is a concept of the revival of Chinese Buddhism proposed by Tai Xu (太虚). Since the twentieth century, it has not only become the common idea of Buddhism in China but also came to define the understanding of Chinese Buddhism in overseas Chinese society.

The purpose of this article is to specifically investigate “Humanistic Buddhism” through the ideas of Tai Xu and his disciple Yin Shun (印順), to understand their idea of “Humanistic Buddhism” and its significance for modern reinterpretations of Buddhist ideas, and at the same time to explore the “Humanistic Buddhist” beliefs and practices of the Taiwanese Fo Guang Shan (仏光山) and Tzu Chi (慈済) organizations.

“Humanistic Buddhism” is a modern reinterpretation of Buddhist ideas. The various events and activities carried out under its philosophy have similar connotations compared with “Engaged Buddhism.” However, if we use the perspectives of “modern Buddhism” and “Engaged Buddhism” to grasp it, it has its limitations. It needs to be comprehensively discussed based on the historical, social, and political context of the Chinese-speaking world.