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.
China now attracts global attention in direct proportion to its increasing economic and geopolitical power. But for millennia, the philosophy which has shaped the soul of China is not modern Communism, or even new forms of capitalism, but rather Confucianism. And one of the most striking phenomena relating to China's ascendancy on the world stage is a burgeoning interest, throughout Asia and beyond, in the humanistic culture and values that underlie Chinese politics and finance: particularly the thought of Confucius passed on in the Analects. In this stimulating conversation, two leading thinkers from the Confucian and Buddhist traditions discuss the timely relevance of a rejuvenated Confucian ethics to some of the most urgent issues in the modern world: Sino/Japanese/US relations; the transformation of society through education and dialogue; and the role of world religions in promoting human flourishing. Exploring correspondences between the Confucian and Buddhist world-views, the interlocutors commit themselves to a view of spirituality and religion that, without blurring cultural difference, is focused above all on the 'universal heart': on harmony between people and nature that leads to peace and to a hopeful future for all humanity.
Studies on Humanistic Buddhism I: Foundational Thoughts contains articles that examine Humanistic Buddhism through the various perspectives of doctrine, scriptural analysis, history, religion, culture, contemporary social developments, etc. Each article inspires and reveals the ideas and development of Humanistic Buddhism from a different point of view. Each contributes to the academic thinking on Humanistic Buddhism by contextualizing it within its social and historical framework. There are articles by foundational figures such as Master Taixu, by prominent proponents such as Venerable Master Hsing Yun, as well as notable scholars such as Lewis Lancaster.
`This excellent book outlines the theoretical base of Cognitive Humanistic Therapy, its links with religious thinking and clear practical guidelines on how to support clients to enhance their life skill. This extremely interesting book is a valuable additions to the therapists toolkit′ - Plus, Christian Council on Ageing `An intriguing book, full of surprises and unexpected insights into the human condition and the work of therapists. It offers practical resources for retreat conductors and spiritual accompaniers, with a comprehensive account of current counselling and psychotherapy practice. Working alongside Buddhists in Thailand, Richard Nelson Jones provides suggestions for living more fully, and suggests a variety of therapeutic interventions, based largely on Buddhist concepts, to make this possible′ - Retreats, Quaker Retreat Group `A very informative and useful book for religious practitioners and others′ - Reverend John Butt, Director, Institute for the Study of Religion and Culture, Payap University, Thailand `Richard Nelson-Jones is one of the few scholars with the erudition and breadth of experience necessary to link Christian and Buddhist traditions in the helping professions. This is much more than old wine in new bottles, and this book will introduce counsellors and therapists to new and better ways of understanding and helping the clients we treat′ - Danny Wedding, Missouri Institute of Mental Health Cognitive Humanistic Therapy describes a new approach to psychotherapy and self-development, based on an understanding of what it means to be "fully human". In a unique integration of theory and practice, the book synthesises ideas from the cognitive and humanistic domains of psychotherapy and the religious worlds of Buddhism and Christianity. Written by bestselling author, Richard Nelson-Jones, Cognitive Humanistic Therapy explores the idea of being ′fully human′ as a central goal of human existence, one which has traditionally been the province of religion. In this book, he examines ways in which psychotherapy and personal practice can help individuals develop in both their capacity to reason and their capacity to love. Beginning with the theoretical underpinnings of the Cognitive Humanistic perspective, the book goes on to show how clients can become equipped with the skills to tackle negative reactions and develop positive attributes such as goodwill, gratitude, compassion, equanimity, generosity, helping and service. This book presents a powerful new interpretation of the role of psychotherapy, which will be of interest to psychotherapists, counsellors, their clients, and also to religious people.
This is a concise overview of venerable grand master Hsing Yun's interpretation of Buddhism as a unique system of values, ideals, and practical guidance. (World Religions)
Studies on Humanistic Buddhism II: Practical Applications: Venerable Master Hsing Yun on Humanistic Buddhism contains articles that explore Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s model of Humanistic Buddhism as developed through the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist order, and how it is applied in human lives. The articles look at the past, present, and future of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s ideas on Humanistic Buddhism and how they are applied to management, music, meditation, gender equality, economics, community colleges, etc. As stated by Venerable Master Hsing Yun: “I want to humanize, modernize, and incorporate Buddhism into people’s lives.”
Studies on Humanistic Buddhism IV: Human Life contains eight translated articles, two original articles, two commentaries, and a perspective piece all relating to human life. Human life is a topic with a vast scope. It was chosen because it is central to Humanistic Buddhism. As several articles in this volume and previous volumes discuss, Humanistic Buddhism developed as a response to the perception that Buddhism no longer related directly to human life. By the nineteenth century in China, Buddhism was seen to provide what came to be mainly perfunctory rituals to be performed upon the death of a family member. Humanistic Buddhism revived Buddhism as an intrinsic part of daily life.
Studies on Humanistic Buddhism III: Glocalization of Buddhism contains articles on the glocalization of Buddhism. Glocalization here refers to the spread of Buddhism globally as it situates itself locally. Buddhism has spread across the world. Concomitant with Buddhism’s globalization is its localization. As Buddhists settle into new environments, there is an acculturation process. Those who bring Buddhist teachings to a new area must adapt to the local society in order to come up with skillful means to impart Buddhist teachings in a manner that is appropriate to the dominant culture, and that empowers locals to carry on the teachings themselves.
'The natural sympathy and understanding of people everywhere must be the soil in which the new humanism can thrive.' For Daisaku Ikeda, whose words these are, education has long been one of the fundamental priorities of his work and teaching. His emphasis on the intellectual legacy bequeathed to humanity by the great teachers of civilization is in this volume encapsulated by the notion of a 'new humanism': a significant residue ofwisdom that in the right circumstances may be passed on to future generations, expanding horizons, making connections between different cultures and encouraging fresh insights and new discoveries across the globe. These circumstances are perhaps most fully realised in the context of universities. In promoting his core values of education and peace, the author has delivered lectures and speeches at more than twenty-five academies, colleges and research institutes worldwide. This stimulating collection, which includes the author's most recent lectures, ranges widely across topics as diverse as art, religion, culture and time, and draws creatively on the sages of ancient India, China and Japan as well as on visionary thinkers from every nation, including Tolstoy, Victor Hugo and Gandhi.
