Humanistic Buddhism: A Blueprint for Life

by Hsing Yun

The rationale for Humanistic Buddhism derives directly from the Buddha, 'because the Buddha was born, cultivated the path, became enlightened, and strived to enlighten others in this world.' It is with this understanding that Venerable Master Hsing Yun proceeds to elaborate on the many ways in which the Buddha's teachings can guide us through challenges in life. In doing so, he affirms the basic spirit of Humanistic Buddhism that centers on the conviction that the Dharma is of crucial pertinence to humanity.
Humanistic Buddhism is a book that not only embodies this spirit, but also discusses how it can be infused in life. As a 'blueprint' of sorts for conduct and ethics, it is a handy manual for guiding us, as well as a lucid exposition of some of the main tenets in Buddhism.
Through illuminating examples and references to Buddhist teachings, Venerable Master Hsing Yun provides insights into many facets of the human condition. He shows how emotions, ethics, family, society, government, and the environment are all areas for contemplation and cultivation. In short, what Humanistic Buddhism reminds us of is that Buddhism is part of life, not separate from it.

163 pages, Paperback

First published October 22, 2008

About the author

Hsing Yun was a Chinese Buddhist monk, teacher, and philanthropist based in Taiwan. He was the founder of the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist monastic order as well as the layperson-based Buddha's Light International Association. Hsing Yun was considered a major proponent of Humanistic Buddhism and one of the most influential teachers of modern Taiwanese Buddhism. In Taiwan, he was popularly referred to as one of the "Four Heavenly Kings" of Taiwanese Buddhism, along with his contemporaries: Master Sheng Yen of Dharma Drum Mountain, Master Shih Cheng Yen of Tzu Chi and Master Wei Chueh of Chung Tai Shan.