The Confluence Of Zen And Pure Land And The Humanistic Buddhism

Zen and Pure Land sect are the most powerful sects in Chinese Buddhism,they are still the mainstream sects of Chinese Buddhism in modern China.The relationship between them is very complicated but also very simple.In short,although there are many different ways to become Buddha,their essence and ultimate goal are the same.Zen and Pure Land are all belong to Chinese Mahayana Buddhism,although there are many differences in their way of practice Buddhism,Zen and Pure Land are same in essence.They were bound to move from exclusion to unity with the development of history.Consequently,with the continuous in-depth study of the theory and the practice of the eminent monks in different generations,the trend of the confluence of Zen and Pure Land has gradually developed into the mainstream of Chinese Buddhism since the Song and Ming dynasties,and has existed for a long time in the development of Chinese Buddhism.In modern China,the social turbulent resulted from the invasion of foreign enemies,and in the impact of the Western learning,Chinese traditional culture faced great challenges.The continuous increase of nation’s crisis aroused strongly people with lofty ideals to launched the reform movement and social revolution,they were trying to change the current situation of Chinese society.At the same time,the disadvantages of Chinese Buddhism emerged and it was in a state of decadence.At this critical moment,Master Taixu first raised the banner of innovation and open the prelude of the vigorous reform of Chinese Buddhism.He was strive to save Chinese Buddhism and lead the traditional Chinese Buddhism to the road of modernization.Taixu stood on the standpoint of caring for people themselves and put forward the theory of "the humanistic Buddhism",which energetically advocate that the Buddhism should benefit human life and serve the society.After that,the humanisic Buddhism gradually became the mainstream of Chinese Buddhism through the unremitting exploration and practice of Master Yinshun,Mr.Zhao Puchu and Master Xingyun.Meanwhile,Master Taixu put forward his unique view about Zen and Pure Land.Actually,Master Taixu’s thoughts of the humanistic Buddhism was a new form of the confluence of Zen and Pure Land in modern times.The main purpose of this paper is to explore the inner relationship between the confluence of Zen and Pure Land and the humanistic Buddhism of Master Taixu.The first chapter mainly describe the historical development of the confluence of Zen and Pure Land,and analyze the relation between Zen and Pure Land.In addition,summarize and expound the main content contained in the confluence of Zen and Pure Land through the analysis of the thoughts and practice of eminent monks of all ages who support the confluence of Zen and Pure Land.Combined with the social development situation of modern China and a series of problems faced by modern Chinese Buddhism,the second chapter briefly introduce the formation reasons,theoretical sources,connotation and significance of the humanistic Buddhism.And elaborate the changes in different development stages of the humanistic Buddhism represented by Master Taixu,Master Yinshun and Mr.Zhao Puchu.The third chapter explore the inner relationship between the confluence of Zen and Pure Land and the humanistic Buddhism of Master Taixu,and point out that the humanistic Buddhism is a new form derived from the confluence of Zen and Pure Land in the new era.It elaborate the humanistic Buddhism theory and the viewpoint of Zen and Pure Land of Master Taixu concretely.Finally,this paper conclude that the confluence of Zen and Pure Land provide theoretical source and establish a solid mass foundation for the humanistic Buddhism.And sum up five common grounds between them that their theories are both ecumenical,practical,self-reliant and innovative and they are all the products of Chinese Buddhism.In view of the humanistic Buddhism and the confluence of Zen and Pure Land will exist over a long period of time in China,and there are many problems in the practice of the humanistic Buddhism today,therefore,it is of great significance to explore the relationship between the confluence of Zen and Pure Land and the humanistic Buddhism.It will enlighten the development of contemporary Chinese Buddhism.