《法華經》「法師」理念暨星雲大師人間佛教僧信平等思想=The Idea of “fashi” in the Saddharmapuṇḍarīka and the Concept of Venerable Master Hsing Yun on the Equality among Monastics and Laity
Based on the perspectives of the unique thoughts of Modern Humanistic Buddhism, this paper constitutes a detailed study on the relationship between the concept of “fashi” in the Saddharmapuṇḍarīka and the concept of Venerable Master Hsing Yun on the equality among monastics and laity. This paper, through comprehensive research, will first elaborate on the concept of "fashi" and its usage based on a well-known Mahāyāna Buddhist scripture, Saddharmapuṇḍarīka. The author argues that “fashi” refers to “a person that inherits the Buddhist scriptures,” it is the function of the “fashi,” and nothing to do with identity. Thus, whether male or female, whether monastic or laity, all are eligible to assume the responsibility of transmitting the sutras established by Mahāyāna Buddhism. The paper’s second elaboration is on the concept of equality between monastics and laity proposed by Venerable Master Hsing Yun. Not only can it be found in the concept of “fashi” in the Saddharmapuṇḍarīka, but is also completely supported by Buddhist scriptures. Furthermore, it may be regarded as a reasonable continuation and development of Modern Humanistic Buddhism, as well as bringing forth the idea of “fashi” based on the Saddharmapuṇḍarīka and other related Mahāyāna thoughts.
