On the Transcendence of Master Hsing Yun’s Humanistic Buddhism

Abstract

The issue of transcendence is a pivotal philosophical proposition in the contemporary development of Humanistic Buddhism, continuously provoking academic debates within the fields of religious studies and Buddhist scholarship. In response to the controversy over whether Humanistic Buddhism possesses transcendence, Master Hsing Yun (星雲大師) addresses this question through three theoretical dimensions: constructing spiritual transcendence at the level of faith, achieving inner transcendence at the level of consciousness, and realizing a creative transcendence that integrates tradition and modernity within a historical context. Through the tripartite interaction of the Buddhist practice system, worldly engagement, and the philosophy of the Middle Way (中道), individuals can transcend their own lives and attain the perfection of their inherent Buddha-nature, ultimately achieving a unity of humanity and transcendence.