The 19th and 20th centuries were periods in human history marked by drastic changes in politics, economics, culture, science, and society. It was also a period when Buddhist thought and pedagogy changed with the times. After more than a century of development, Humanistic Buddhism has effectively become Contemporary Buddhism’s exemplar and is currently becoming the main school of Buddhism for the 21st century and the future. Humanistic Buddhism has reignited the vitality and charisma of the Buddha’s teachings, emphasizing humanity in Buddhism and Buddhism in humanity. In addition to offering a spiritual refuge, it has also provided endless innovations to rebuild society, purify minds, and uncover the beauty of the world.

Fo Guang Shan Founder Venerable Master Hsing Yun had spent over 60 years sparing no effort in teaching, practicing, promoting, and actualizing Humanistic Buddhism. Under the Venerable Master’s guidance and support, Fo Guang Shan has worked towards the four objectives of spreading Buddhism through culture, nurturing talents through education, benefitting society through compassion, and purifying minds through spiritual practice. This arduous work in modernizing, publicizing, pragmatizing, and internationalizing Buddhism has spread Humanistic Buddhism’s ideals throughout the world. To accomplish this, the Fo Guang Shan Institute of Humanistic Buddhism invites distinguished representatives throughout the world to engage in a dialogue and exchange with the Venerable Master’s teachings and thoughts, developing right understanding and right view in Humanistic Buddhism. In an open and accepting environment, scholars will share their research experiences while distinguished representatives will present their observations and thoughts.

With this objective, the Institute has previously held nine Symposiums on Humanistic Buddhism between 2014-2022 for scholars to discuss freely and share their own views. The theme for this year’s Symposium is “Humanistic Buddhism and the Future.” Interdisciplinary dialogue on Humanistic Buddhism from historical, economic, Buddhist studies, philosophical, literary, and linguistic perspectives will be exchanged in this symposium.