The Fundamental Concepts of Humanistic Buddhism

Humanistic Buddhism is the integration of our spiritual practice into all aspects of our daily lives. Humanistic Buddhism has the following six characteristics.

1. Humanism/altruism
2. Emphasis on daily life as spiritual practice
3. Joyfulness
4. Timeliness
5. Universality of wanting to save all beings.

It is difficult for people to see the relevance of Buddhism in their modern daily lives and how it adapts to the trends of the present age rather than merely following traditions blindly. Though Buddhism speaks of the past, present & future, it particularly highlights the universal welfare of the beings of this world and although Buddhism speaks of all beings of the ten-dhrama worlds, it reserves the most emphasis for humans. Through training and cultivating ourselves in this human world, enlightenment can be achieved.

Therefore, we should cherish our lives, and integrate the Buddhist practice in our daily lives. Some people perceive Buddhism as a religion removed from humanity. This perception of Buddhism is characterized by isolation, retreat to forests, self-concern and individualism it has lost its humanistic quality. It has reached the point that many who are interested in entering the gate dare no do so they hesitate as they peer in and wander about outside.

Humanistic Buddhism encompasses all of the Buddhist teachings from the time of the Buddha to the present – whether they are derived from the three traditions. The goal of Humanistic Buddhism is the Bodhisattva way to be an energetic, enlightened and endearing person who strives to help all sentient beings liberate themselves. Also, well as transforming our planet into a pureland of peace and bliss. Instead of committing all our energies in pursuing something in the future, why don’t we direct our efforts towards purifying our minds and bodies, right here and now in the present moment.

Humanistic Buddhism must focus more on issues of the world rather than on how to leave the world behind on caring for the living rather than for the dead on benefiting others rather than benefiting oneself and on universal salvation rather than cultivation for oneself only.

There are five points that help us in applying Humanistic Buddhism in our everyday living. Humanistic Buddhism is:

1. The practice of the five basic moral ethics (Five precepts) and ten virtues
2. To develop the four boundless vows of kindness, compassion, joy and equanimity
3. Applying the six paramitas and the four great Bodhisattva virtues – generosity amiable speech conduct beneficial to others co-operation
4. The understanding of cause, condition, effect, and consequence
5. Encompasses the teachings of Ch’an Pureland and the Middle Path.

All of these demonstrate the changes brought about by conditional causation. Thus all phenomena in this world cannot exist without their corresponding causes and the conditions required. Furthermore, one of the central Buddhists tenets is essentially that each person is his own master.

If by “god,” however, one means one of a number of heavenly beings, then Buddhists do believe in these. In Buddhist cosmology there are six general realms of existence: devas, asuras, humans, animals, hungry ghosts, and hell-beings. (Buddhas have transcended these six realms.) Of the six, devas and asuras are most like deities. While their respective realms may be described as “heavens,” however, they do not exist beyond time and space. The primary difference between devas and asuras is that devas are peaceful while asuras are competitive and jealous.