Humanistic Buddhism
Humanistic Buddhism is founded in the idea that Sakyamuni Buddha was born, delivered teachings, and achieved enlightenment in the human world. Venerable Master Hsing Yun declares that Humanistic Buddhism is therefore true to the original intents of the Buddha as it is relevant to human needs.
The goal of Humanistic Buddhism is to focus on the 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.
The Origins of Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple, North Carolina
In 1998, Venerable Master Hsing Yun visited Raleigh, North Carolina. In response to local devotees’ heartfelt aspiration to establish a temple, he offered these simple yet profound words:
“Causes and conditions bring all possibilities.”
That moment planted the seed for what would become Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple, North Carolina.
Land for the temple was acquired in 2001, and construction began in 2006. By 2007, the building was completed, and on July 4, 2010, the temple was officially dedicated. With this milestone, the temple became the newest torchbearer of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s vision of Humanistic Buddhism in the United States.
To propagate the Dharma through culture
To foster talent through education
To benefit society through charity
To purify human minds through spiritual cultivation
As a bridge between Eastern and Western cultures, Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple, North Carolina offers Sunday Dharma services, regular Buddhist events, and a variety of cultural and educational programs.
The temple also works closely with local governments, civic organizations, nonprofits, and interfaith partners to carry forward Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s lifelong commitment to peaceful coexistence and the well-being of all sentient beings.
Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Three Acts of Goodness
Do good deeds
Say good words
Think good thoughts
The Jade Buddha Shrine
The Jade Buddha Shrine at Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple, North Carolina, is home to a majestic 14-ton white jade statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, accented with gold leaf. This statue serves as the focal point for all Dharma services.
Sakyamuni Buddha, originally born as Prince Siddhartha Gautama, renounced his life of privilege at the age of 29 to seek the truth and find a way to end human suffering—suffering caused by birth, aging, illness, and death. After six years of ascetic practices, he attained enlightenment while meditating beneath the Bodhi tree.
As the founder and original teacher of Buddhism, Sakyamuni Buddha discovered the profound truths of the universe and gained full insight into the nature of life. He spent the next forty-nine years traveling along the Ganges River, sharing his teachings with others. At the age of 80, he entered Parinirvana, a state of complete liberation and conscious peace.
The Jade Buddha Shrine is a sacred space open to all who seek inner peace and spiritual cultivation. Outside of scheduled Dharma services and ceremonies, visitors are welcome to come for personal worship, meditation, and sutra recitation at their own pace.
The Library
A portrait of Venerable Master Hsing Yun greets all guests, accompanied by his timeless motto of wisdom:
To give others confidence;
To give others hope;
To give others joy;
To give others convenience.
Bookshelves line the walls, showcasing an extensive collection of sutras and writings that reflect teachings spanning over two thousand years. It has long been Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s intention to offer a resource-rich library for those seeking spiritual nourishment and enlightenment.
The adjacent, spacious reading area, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, serves as a tranquil oasis for anyone in need of a brief escape from the bustling world outside. Simply open a book and immerse yourself in a world of wisdom and peace.
The Art Gallery
Unique and inspiring, the concept of an art gallery within each Fo Guang Shan Temple was envisioned by Venerable Master Hsing Yun. With a deep passion for "the aesthetics of life," the Master sought to create a space where beauty and spiritual energy converge—drawing from both the world of Buddhism and the arts.
Strategically located between the Dining Hall and the Library, the Art Gallery invites every visitor to pause and immerse themselves in its beauty. On one side, the gallery showcases stunning works of art, while on the other, visitors are treated to a serene garden view that highlights the splendor of nature.
Past exhibitions have featured the works of both local and international artists, including paintings, sculptures, calligraphy, photography, and textile art installations. The Temple warmly welcomes individuals of all faiths to display their artworks and collections, fostering an inclusive environment for creativity and expression.
The Classrooms
This classroom is a sanctuary for Buddhist learning and spiritual cultivation, where the Dharma is explored through classes, lectures by monastic guest speakers, and discussions with esteemed visiting lay scholars. It is a place where wisdom is shared, questions are welcomed, and insight is nurtured. Here, practitioners can also meet Dharma friends, engage in meaningful discussions, and deepen their understanding through book clubs and group study sessions. The Temple’s vast collection of sutras offers devotees of all ages an opportunity to immerse themselves in the teachings of the Buddha, fostering both personal growth and collective wisdom on the path to enlightenment.
The Dining Hall
Eating, the act of nourishing our bodies with food, is an integral part of Buddhist daily practice. When you sit down for a meal, do you ever take a moment to feel gratitude for the many unknown individuals who planted, harvested, transported, prepared, and cooked the food that sustains you?
Venerable Master Hsing Yun once said: “There is not a single person without connections to others.”
Be humble, be mindful, and recognize that your existence is deeply interconnected with all living beings on this earth.
Five Meal Contemplations:
1.Assess the amount of work involved, weigh up the origins of the food.
2.Reflect on one’s own moral conduct, perfect or not, take this offering.
3.Safeguard the mind against all error, do not give rise to hatred or greed.
4.Regard this food as good medicine, so as to treat the weakened body.
5.In order to accomplish the Way, one deserves to accept this food.
The temple offers a vegetarian lunch after Sunday Dharma Service each week, providing an opportunity to experience the fragrance of Buddhist cuisine.
