Humanistic Buddhism in China: Contemporary Interpretations and Practices

Abstract

“Renjian Fojiao”, literally Buddhism in Human Realm, is a reform program proposed by Venerable Taixu to address the shortcomings of Chinese Buddhism, and later on, through the efforts of his disciples, “Humanistic Buddhism” was derived. The study explores the evolution of Humanistic Buddhism in China, an indigenous movement that traces its roots to the country and has witnessed substantial expansion in contemporary times. It examines the experiences of different monasteries and monks, focusing on its impact on spreading Dharma teachings, promoting public welfare, and advancing education. Employing a historical and contemporary approach and utilizing document analysis, the study found that this form of Buddhism originated in China, was later influenced by Taiwanese Buddhism, and has recently experienced significant growth in mainland China. The findings revealed how Humanistic Buddhism has impacted a range of areas, such as spreading the teachings of the Dharma, promoting public welfare, and advancing education. Furthermore, the study findings highlight challenges and issues that Humanistic Buddhism encounters in its efforts to promote its values, including the delicate balance between commercialization and religious integrity, as well as the utilization of new media for spreading the teachings of Dharma