Hsing Yun’s Humanistic Buddhism and Magda Arnold’s Human Flourishing on the Good Life

Abstract

This paper examines flourishing in Humanistic Buddhism—a contemporary Chinese Mahayana tradition advocated by Taixu (1890-1947). Taixu’s “Life Buddhism” (rensheng fojiao) emphasized the accumulation of merit by deliberately shifting the focus away from traditional rituals and funerary rites. This tradition was further developed by Hsing Yun (1927-2023), a prominent figure in global Buddhism, who propagated “dharma joy” as a practical framework for human needs. The core tenets of Hsing Yun’s philosophy involve Bodhisattva practice within everyday life, prioritizing social engagement and the cultivation of a joyful disposition. Utilizing Hsing Yun’s framework, this study compares Humanistic Buddhist ideals with Magda Arnold’s (1903-2002) psychological theories on flourishing, specifically her focus on meaningful life goals, motivational guidance, and the use of the self as an index for maturity. Ultimately, this paper puts into dialogue Hsing Yun’s Humanistic Buddhist understanding of rebirth and Magda Arnold’s Christian-Catholic framework of eternal communion with the Divine.