Humanistic Buddhism: A Blueprint For Life - Softcover

Yun, Hsing; Xingyun

Softcover

ISBN 10: 097174954X ISBN 13: 9780971749542

Publisher: Buddhas Light Pub, 2003

Synopsis

¡§The rationale for Humanistic Buddhism derives from the Buddha¡K because the Buddha was born, cultivated the path, became enlightened, and strived to enlighten others in this world. For the Buddha, it is this world that should take precedence. He lived among the people, and what he transmitted is Humanistic Buddhism,¡¨ Venerable Master Hsing Yun writes in Humanistic Buddhism: A Blueprint for Life. Founder of the Fo Guang Shan (Buddha¡¦s Light Mountain) Buddhist Order and one of the leading teachers of our time, Master Hsing Yun reveals the profundity of the Buddha¡¦s teachings by demonstrating how they are ideal guides for living happier lives in this world.

In the book¡¦s preface, James A. Santucci explains that ¡§Humanistic Buddhism: A Blueprint for Life, is the clearest exposition yet of Humanistic Buddhism. It is Buddhism minus the regional, doctrinal, ritual, and traditional limitations that so often equate Buddhism with a particular ethnic or cultural group. It is a Buddhism that seeks to improve the individual and society, the inner self and the outer social environment. It discusses the physical body, emotions, morality and ethics, relationships with family and society, government, globalism, and nature and the environment: in brief, the human condition in its entirety.¡¨

Told with a clear and compassionate voice, Venerable Master Hsing Yun sets out a plan for developing wisdom and compassion, even in the most difficult of situations. What we have to gain by these lessons is significant: to awaken to life, to see all of its possibilities and choices. All of these lessons taken together show us that to practice loving-kindness, to attain true peace of mind, is to be truly happy.

About this title

About the Author

Venerable Master Hsing Yun is a Chinese Buddhist monk and a leader of the Humanistic Buddhism movement that seeks to integrate Buddhism into people s everyday lives. He is the founder of the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Order, as well as the author of many works such as Chan Hear, Chan Art and Opening the Mind's Eye.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

..."Oneness" means equality and magnanimity. Within the human body, there are different organs and features, such as eyes, nose, tongue, hands and feet, yet these are all parts of the body. On this earth, there are many different nations, races, and geographical regions, yet these all must rely on the earth for survival. Amongst living beings, though there are various beings, such as sentient or non-sentient, male or female, old or young, strong or weak, all beings are equally elements within one embodiment of dependent origination. Even though the forms of phenomena are different in myriad ways, all share the Buddha nature.

"Coexistence" means compassion and harmony. In the Dharma realm, all living beings are interdependent. One story from the sutras tells about how a blind person, a deaf person, a mute person, and a person who could not walk managed to safely escape from a burning house by helping each other. A well-done dramatic presentation requires not only talented performances by the leading actors, but also excellent contributions by the supporting roles. Likewise, in order to build a peaceful society for all, the contribution of all individuals from every group and region is essential. Through compassion, we can accept and appreciate each other; through harmony, we can coexist...

Edition details

• Publisher: Buddhas Light Pub
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 097174954X
• ISBN 13: 9780971749542
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 128