Humanistic Buddhism: Teaching Materials

The Buddha was born in ancient Eastern lands within India and Nepal over two millenia ago. And yet the compassionate teachings of this sage prince continue to resonate powerfully in the West today.

We invite you to explore the story of The Buddha.  Starting with his legendary birth and selfless life, join the magnificent voyage of a legacy which spanned eras and crossed continents throughout history. See how the original intents and philosophies of The Buddha continue that voyage today and witness the vitality, joy and wisdom of an ancient teaching coming alive in our modern world.

Why Humanistic Buddhism?
Sakyamuni Buddha was born in the human world, to teach human beings, and to help guide them to happiness. However in the past 2000 years since, traditional Buddhism has been tainted by beliefs that preached supersition. By recognising and returning to The Buddha’s original intents of guiding the human world, his teachings are appropriately named ” Humanistic Buddhism”.

What is the essence of Humanistic Buddhism?
Humanistic Buddhism is “what the Buddha taught, what is essential to human beings, what purifies and what is virtuous and beautiful”.

What are the core teachings and concepts of Humanistic Buddhism?
The core teachings are found in the Threefold Trainings – discipline, concentration and wisdom.  The core concepts are found within Dependent Origination and The Middle Path.

What are the benefits of Humanistic Buddhism?
Faith in Humanistic Buddhism shall lead to the purification of body and mind and freedom from attachment, delusion and affliction.We

Chapter 1: Overview

Humanistic Buddhism is what the Buddha ‘conveyed’ to the “human world” with the original intents “to teach, instruct, benefit, and bring joy” and “to attain the Buddha’s insight.” It is closely related to society and individuals, evident in the Buddha’s declaration of equality: “all sentient beings possess the buddha-nature,” fitting the modern mentality of freedom, democracy, and equality.

The Buddha established precepts to ensure that the Sangha prevails, with the spirit of “not trespassing upon others.” It is the root of social harmony and humanity. In addition, all Buddhist concepts are derived from the Buddha’s teachings of Dependent Origination, guiding us to hope and perfection. 

The essence of Humanistic Buddhism is negating superstition and blind faith, in its inspiration of wisdom and clarity. It emphasizes self-awareness, self-enlightenment, and self-improvement by offering insights into the truth, peace and stability, freedom from the fear and sorrow caused by birth and death, and ultimately the perfection of life.

Chapter 2: Humanistic Lifestyle

The Buddha was apt at catering to different aptitudes and never forsook anyone. With compassion, he touched the hearts of the fearful. With wisdom, he subdued those who challenged him. He taught to kings, ministers, and royalty. He also helped ordinary people and the distressed. He even wrought his own body to blockade a road to save his homeland.

Known as the Honored One, the Buddha used both his wisdom and merits, and always exerted his compassion and insight. This world was his place of cultivation and propagation, as well as his Pure Land. Just as stated in the Platform Sutra, “Dharma can only be found in the world, and enlightenment cannot be attained away from it. To seek Bodhi Wisdom away from the world is as futile as to seek the rabbit’s horn.” Only by understanding the humanistic characteristics of the Buddha’s life can we truly perceive Humanistic Buddhism.

Buddhism was never detached from this world and daily living; this is exactly the disposition upheld by Humanistic Buddhism.

Chapter 3: Core Concepts

Upon enlightenment, the Buddha realized that the truth of Dependent Origination was too profound for sentient beings. Instead, he spoke the Four Noble Truths at the first turning of the Dharma wheel. As suffering was more easily relatable, the Buddha began his teachings with it. He then proceeded with the cause of suffering, to inspire others to seek the end of suffering.

Additionally, he taught the Three Dharma Seals, explaining that all phenomena arise due to causes and conditions and are also bound by impermanence as they eventually dissipate. As conditions are unsubstantial, dependent, and impermanent, the Buddha taught the concept of non-self and emptiness. Since nothing is substantial, it is thus possible to transform affliction into Bodhi wisdom, ignorance into enlightenment, and ordinary beings into sages. It is also possible to attain the state of nirvana—absolute tranquility.

Unlike conventional Buddhist thought, which is impassive, Humanistic Buddhism advocates harmonizing ultimate and conventional truths together. In this way, the Dharma is presented in a positive, optimistic, and joyful manner. To truly uphold the original intents of the Buddha, Buddhism must be a beacon of happiness for the world.

Chapter 4: Development of Buddhism

Buddhism has exerted tremendous influence on countless facets of Chinese culture. Some of these include: politics, culture, art, fashion, and food.

The Chinese language evolved through Buddhism, not only by its contribution of new vocabulary, but also in enriching its existing literature. The beauty of the Chinese language can be attributed to the effect of Buddhist terminology.

The pride Chinese have for their culture, history and civilization is a result of the impact Buddhist practices and concepts had upon them.

Buddhist masters were forerunners in charitable, humanitarian and educational endeavors. Not only did they provide aid, infrastructure and food, they were also diligent in teaching as well, as shown by the development of the Eight Schools. The golden age of Buddhism, in the Sui and Tang Dynasties, is a direct consequence of all these efforts.

Chapter 5: Contemporary Development

The contemporary development of Humanistic Buddhism has five aspects: cultural publications, education, propagation societies, charitable activities, and internationalization. The influence of Buddhism lies in its doctrines; its true role is to offer spiritual guidance, ethics, fostering social harmony and stability, and striving for world peace.

Particularly, the evolution of Buddhism resides within culture and education. That is why Humanistic Buddhism caters to the needs of differing eras. Translation work and sutra printing, as well as publications in all mediums are used as contemporary instruments to continuously spread the Dharma. By offering education for monastics, devotees, and the public, Buddhists are better able to uphold the spirit of the Buddha and promote Humanistic
Buddhism globally. Only through continuous progress, can there be new life for Buddhism. Only by holding to the Buddha’s original intents can the Dharma be truly realized.

Chapter 6: Conclusion

Humanistic Buddhism denotes the Dharma, the Buddha’s teachings for humanity. Its sacredness is indubitable. It adheres to the truths of all the Buddha’s fundamental  teachings and holds the Three Jewels as its core. However, it also emphasizes the humanistic, relevant, altruistic, joyful, universal, and timely characteristics of Buddhism, as well as the global spreading of Dharma.

Only one side of Buddhism was shown ,bereft of a comprehensive interpretation of the doctrine, resulting in a divergence from the Buddha’s original intents. Unsurprisingly, the spread of Buddhism was thus limited.

In the future, Humanistic Buddhism shall evolve from the passive attitudes of “suffering, emptiness, and impermanence” into one that is positive, beneficial, and essential. Its shall expand from a monastic focus to one that encompasses both lay and monastics, men and women alike. It shall advance from being reclused in distant mountains and forests to connecting with society and adapting to urban life. It shall emerge from being confined to temple grounds and individual practice, towards integrating with family life, as well as with service and contribution as ways of cultivation.