Humanistic Buddhism in Tibetan tradition
Item abstract only
Author
Santucci, James A. See all items with this value
Date
2000
Volume
1
Pages
129-138
ISSN
1530-4108 See all items with this value
Abstract
Although the phrase “Humanistic Buddhism” may not be familiar to many Buddhists, its definition offered by the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Order, founded by Venerable Grand Master Hsing Yun, and by the Order’s Los Angeles branch temple, Hsi Lai Temple, is one to which most Buddhists would certainly agree:
a basic philosophy of life that encourages us to integrate the Buddha's teachings of kindness, compassion, joyfulness, and equanimity into our daily lives for the benefit of ourselves as well as others. In addition, it teaches us the ways to cultivate the wisdom that clearly understands the true nature of all things.
Based on this definition, it is clear that there is nothing novel about Fo Guang Shan’s definition but rather an affirmation of the essential Buddhist teaching as reflected in the Four Noble Truths and in the manifestation of that teaching as portrayed in the life of the Buddha, the Exemplar of the teaching.
In Tibetan Buddhism, the emphasis on the life of the Buddha is especially important because it illustrates a difficult path requiring perseverance. Therefore, there is considerable discussion of the pervasiveness of suffering and the benefits of escaping its stranglehold. The development of various techniques such as Dzogchen, Mahâmudrâ, Chö, or Lamdre ultimately lead to the manifestation of compassion and similar qualities in relation to one’s fellow beings and to viewing the world as non-dualistic.
a basic philosophy of life that encourages us to integrate the Buddha's teachings of kindness, compassion, joyfulness, and equanimity into our daily lives for the benefit of ourselves as well as others. In addition, it teaches us the ways to cultivate the wisdom that clearly understands the true nature of all things.
Based on this definition, it is clear that there is nothing novel about Fo Guang Shan’s definition but rather an affirmation of the essential Buddhist teaching as reflected in the Four Noble Truths and in the manifestation of that teaching as portrayed in the life of the Buddha, the Exemplar of the teaching.
In Tibetan Buddhism, the emphasis on the life of the Buddha is especially important because it illustrates a difficult path requiring perseverance. Therefore, there is considerable discussion of the pervasiveness of suffering and the benefits of escaping its stranglehold. The development of various techniques such as Dzogchen, Mahâmudrâ, Chö, or Lamdre ultimately lead to the manifestation of compassion and similar qualities in relation to one’s fellow beings and to viewing the world as non-dualistic.