Venerable Master Hsing Yun outlined twenty essential expositions in the preface of Humanistic Buddhism: Holding True to the Original Intents of Buddha, in order to hold true and return to the original meaning of Humanistic Buddhism. A considerable proportion of more than one-third illustrates the notion of “life does not die,” which can be found and emphasized in the seven expositions. From ancient to the modern era, various conceptions of “life does not die” and the “cycle of life” have surfaced. However, these notions are not uniquely found in Eastern religious and cultural thought. Concepts and postulations on reincarnation are also present in Western philosophical thoughts and religious doctrines. Early Christianity did not reject the views and postulations on reincarnation, as they were documented in the scriptures of the Old Testament and the New Testament. The early church priests accepted the concept of reincarnation, and many saints believed that they had past lives and afterlives. Unfortunately, most of these historical records were removed, obliterated and concealed, hence forgotten by many. This paper attempts to provide a reinterpretation of the religious implication that “life does not die” in relation to Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s modern vision of Humanistic Buddhism. This reinterpretation shall be presented through an integration of canonical analysis, historical investigation, and philosophical interpretation. This reinterpretation offers inspiration for the awakening of faith and practice of the bodhisattva’s vow in the world.
