How do we practice Humanistic Buddhism at Hsi Lai?
Because sentient beings have different spiritual capacities and inclinations, the Buddha taught at different levels using numerous methods in order to help everyone understand the joyful liberation of the Dharma (his teachings). The Sutras (Buddhist scriptures) speak of 84,000 different methods ¡Vor an infinite number that can be used to help the listener understand and integrate the teachings in his or her life for the mutual benefit of all sentient beings.* Throughout history Buddhist Masters have categorized Buddhist methods into those based on self-effort (self-power) and those that rely on the help of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas (other-power). However, when one looks more closely one sees Truth as indivisible: Self-power is other-power, and other-power is self-power. * Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Order and all of its international branch temples emphasize the integration of Ch’an Buddhism (self-power) and Pure Land Buddhism (other-power). Venerable Master Hsing Yun says, “Ch’an and Pure L
