The Australian Association of Buddhist studies will hold its next event on Thursday 14 March. The topic will explore the evolution of Humanistic Buddhism from its Chinese origins, emphasising its foundational aim to apply Buddhist teachings practically and compassionately in the contemporary world. This will be a hybrid session.
Humanistic Buddhism: Integrating Compassion and Engagement in the Modern World
In this talk, we will explore the evolution of Humanistic Buddhism from its Chinese origins, emphasising its foundational aim to apply Buddhist teachings practically and compassionately in the contemporary world. We will trace the movement’s development against the backdrop of China’s rich Buddhist heritage, highlighting its transition towards addressing the needs of society and the individual in modern times. This exploration includes an analysis of how Humanistic Buddhism integrates traditional Dharma practice with everyday life, promoting social engagement, ethical conduct, and the cultivation of moral values. We will also delve into the current manifestations of Humanistic Buddhism, demonstrating its impact on education, social welfare, and global peace efforts, thereby underscoring its relevance and adaptation to modern challenges. The talk aims to provide a nuanced understanding of Humanistic Buddhism’s role in academic discourse, reflecting on its contributions to a harmonious society and its potential to foster a compassionate world, rooted in its unique Chinese Buddhist perspective.
Venerable Dr Juewei is Head of Program for Applied Buddhist Studies and Humanistic Buddhism, and Director of the Humanistic Buddhism Centre at the Nan Tien Institute, Australia. Her involvement in Humanistic Buddhism motivated her to develop the first accredited course in this area. Juewei is an editor for Cultivating Compassion: going beyond crises (2024) that derived from the ‘8th International Symposium on Humanistic Buddhism’ held in 2021. She also co-authored “Connecting with the human condition from the inside out and outside in: a dialogue between a social anthropologist and a Buddhist theologian” in the Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute (2022). Since October 2020, Juewei founded the Communities of Practice Sunday check-in sessions, a global online gathering for sharing humanistic Buddhist values. Juewei holds a Ph.D. in Religious Studies, a Master of Arts in Buddhist studies, a Master of Business Administration, and a Master of Science in Computer Science and Engineering. Juewei made a millennial decision to join the Fo Guang Shan monastic order because of her wish to serve humanity by promoting humanistic values in an increasingly divided world.
Gold leaf covered schist reliquary in the form of a stupa. Kusana period, North Western India. National Museum, Karachi, Pakistan. Copyright: Huntington, John C. and Susan L.Huntington Archive
