高雄元亨寺推動佛教教育落實人間佛教 -- 從口述史探索菩妙長老的宗教實踐=The Contributions of Yuan-heng Temple, Kaohsiung in Promoting Buddhist Education and Practicing Buddhism in the Human World: An Exploration into Master PuMiau's Endeavours in Advocating Buddhism in the Human World
In early 20th Century, Master Tai Hsu first introduced and advocated “Human Buddhism” as a measure to save contemporary Buddhism from being extinct. His idea was later followed by Master Yin Shun. Master Yin Shun was a very learned and profound thinker; he not only followed Master Tai Hsu’s footsteps closely but also developed his idea, making it feasible for Buddhism to be practiced in the human world. He emphasized that Buddha-hood and Boddhisattva practice could also be cultivated by ordinary people in this world, and that it was possible to achieve true liberation in the human world. He proposed that human beings should treasure the fact of being human, become good human beings first, practice Boddhisattva acts, and then eventually attain Buddha-hood in this human world. This is the idea of Humanistic Buddhism. Now this idea has become the belief of many Chinese communities all over the world and has been recognized worldwide. However, “dharma can not proceed without guidance.” It has to be first advocated by those who have a well-informed vision, especially those who can put the vision in practice and set good models for all to follow. One of the model practitioners who put the Humanist Buddhism into practice was Master Pu Miau, the first abbot of Yuan-heng Temple in Kaohsiung. He was both a follower and a friend of Master Yin Shun throughout his life. He was totally devoted to the practice of Humanistic Buddhism as explicated by Master Yin Shun. Moreover, he started Buddhist education at a time full of difficulties. In fact, he had become a role model for the four groups of disciples. Master Pu Miau came to understand Humanistic Buddhism directly by interacting and learning from Master Yin Shun in person and by studying his writings. Besides, he was also supported and assisted by the Master’s associates: Master Yen Pei (1917-1996, one of Master Yin Shun’s students) and Master Tung Miau (1917-, Master Yin Shun’s dharma brother who later resumed his secular life as Wu Lao-tse.) This paper is divided into two sections: the first section discusses how Master Pu Miau learned from Master Yin Shun’s idea of Humanistic Buddhism and how he practiced it. The second section discusses the process and achievements of Master Pu Miau promotion of Buddhist education and practice of Humanistic Buddhism. Master Pu Miau passed away on January 13th, 2009 (December 18 of the lunar calendar), with a long life of 90 years, 74 of which being a monk. This paper is dedicated to this venerable master as an expression of respect and mourning of the writer.
