This is the third paper of “The Epistemology and Value System of Humanistic Buddhism” series. In the previous papers, the correlation between Buddhism and modern science was discussed. Within the Buddhist classification system, knowledge of natural sciences and philosophy, as well as other Humanities studies were determined. This paper makes references to the theories of Humanistic Buddhism advocated by Venerable Master Hsing Yun and related early discussions by Master Taixu. From a cultural perspective, it is to observe the different cultural traditions of the world’s major civilizations. The author attempts to shed light on the alarming traditional thinking, but also that traditions should be inherited and transcended. Traditions may not have form but can reshape a group, just as good habits can reshape an individual. Moreover, to emphasize that in such a contemporary multicultural society, whether it be our own traditions or different traditions, the need to break away from blindness and waken self-awareness is present. In addition the majority of the conflict in values lies in values being reverted. Two solutions are suggested: First is to strengthen interactions between different traditions, continually strive for deeper understanding among different cultures. Second is to unfold the transcendental teachings of the Buddha, especially in breaking barriers of cultures and traditions in order to realize a way of global knowledge-based localization of Humanistic Buddhism.
