Chen Bing

Professor, Sichuan University

正法重輝的曙光──星雲大師的人間佛教思想

The title “venerable master” as used by contemporary Chinese Buddhists appears to have been demeaned and misused, to the extent of sometimes being generally used in reference to male and female monastics. In fact, the word “master” has the Sanskrit root of “śāstṛ,” and is a rather highly esteemed title in Buddhism. As the Itivṛttakasūtra5explains, the title refers to sagely monastics who have attained at least the stage of stream-entere, and up to that of a buddha. Their presence in this world ensures that the wisdom of the Dharma can guide others towards transcending the mundane, bringing boundless benefit and joy to them.

Chen Bing,Studies on Humanistic Buddhism I: Foundational Thoughts(Kaohsiung:Fo Guang Cultural Enterprise Co. Ltd,2018)83-151.COPY