“Humanistic Buddhism” has been an important approach in modern Chinese Buddhism. It originated from Master Taixu’s (1888-1947) “Human-life Buddhism,” then Master Yinshun (1906- 2005) propagated “Humanistic Buddhism,” Later, Master Dongchu (1907-1977) also advocated “Human-life Buddhism.” The concept of “Humanistic Buddhism” has been the mainstream of Buddhism in Taiwan. This article does not seek to discuss the theoretical basis, but try to explore how Master Sheng Yen practiced the spirit of religion through academic approach and fulfilled the holistic caring services as well as dedicated to building a “Pure Land on Earth,” by examining the aspects of Master’s education background, construction of Dharma Drum Mountain and the idea of “Three Types of Education.” The research shows that Master Sheng Yen uplifted the character of humanity in three aspects of “education, morality and religion” and dedicated to building a “Pure Land on Earth” through “Three Types of Education,” which are Education through Academics, Education through Public Outreach, and Education through Caring Services. “Education through Academics” implements academic research. It improves the modern lecture-based “teaching Buddhism” to research-oriented “academic Buddhism.” “Education through Public Outreach” aims to practice religious belief. Built on basic Buddhism doctrines it transforms traditional “temple Buddhism” into “living Buddhism” through combining religious practices with modern pluralistic culture activities. “Education through Caring Services,” grounded on the above mentioned “Education through Academics and through Public Outreach,” is the radical part of Humanistic Buddhism. In the respect of funeral and memorial service, it reforms the traditional Buddhist funeral practice that is dominated by salvaging the ghosts and elevating the deceased to better realm through chanting and repentance, to a people- foremost “correct faith Buddhism” and emphasizes the courtesy and gratefulness in life which are the nature of religious rites. In summary, through “Three Types of Education” Master Sheng Yen uplifted the character of humanity and achieved the social function of religion: to purify people’s mind, purify the society and build a “Pure Land on Earth.” Moreover, under the three practice guidelines of “following the precepts, focusing on education and protecting the spiritual environment,” which embody the core values of “education, morality and religion” respectively, Master Sheng Yen enhanced the moral quality of humanity and highlighted the people-oriented tenet of Humanistic Buddhism.
