Chinese Origin of Humanistic Buddhism and Master Hsing Yun's Contribution in the Contemporary Humanistic Buddhist Movement in Taiwan

Humanism has been defined as the faith in the supreme value of self-perfectibility of human personality. However, it broadly indicates to a shifting of focus from supernaturalism to naturalism, from transcendental to the existing, from absolute reality to the living reality. It has been contended that it is Buddhism that should be promoted as true humanism. Buddhism is the practice of peaceful and compassionate humanity towards each other and entire sentient beings in the universe. It is a religion of compassion, humanity and egalitarianism. Among other world religions, probably Buddhism has greater claim to declare itself as a humanistic religion. In Buddhism, humanism is that attitude of mind, which attaches primary importance to human beings.The term Humanistic Buddhism was first coined by Ven. Tai Xu and adopted by Master Hsing Yun. The primary goal of Humanistic Buddhism is to lead to the Bodhisattva practice, which means to be an energetic, enlightened and endearing person who strives to help sentient beings liberate themselves. Humanistic Buddhism focuses on issues of the world, caring for the living, benefiting others and universal salvation. It is the practical interpretation of theoretical Buddhism, which has become relevant in the modern world. It also emphasizes on application of wisdom that has been realized so far.The Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Order, which was founded by the Grand Master Hsing Yun, is dedicated to the development of Humanistic Buddhism. The Grand Master has provided active leadership and vision to the idea to turn it into the necessity of the modern world and benefit entire sentient beings. His leadership turned the idea of ‘Humanistic Buddhism’ into the universal movement.