[New Book Release] The Glossary of Humanistic Buddhism: 2025 Edition Officially Released

Reporter: Kathryn Lee, Fo Guang Shan Institute of Humanistic Buddhism
Kaohsiung, Taiwan
May 20, 2025

The most comprehensive Chinese-English Humanistic Buddhism parallel glossary available. Since the publication of its first edition in 2018, The Glossary of Humanistic Buddhism has received widespread acclaim for its crucial role in advancing the international transmission of Humanistic Buddhism’s ideals and practices. In response to expanding global needs, Fo Guang Shan Institute of Humanistic Buddhism (FGSIHB) Center of International Affairs now publishes The Glossary of Humanistic Buddhism: 2025 Edition. The project is led by the chief editor, Venerable Miao Guang, also the personal English interpreter of Venerable Master Hsing Yun. The project is led by the chief editor, Venerable Miao Guang, also the personal English interpreter of Venerable Master Hsing Yun.

This significantly expanded edition—growing from over 5,000 to more than 10,000 entries—is designed to support the translation of Buddhist sutras and promote Humanistic Buddhist thought. It covers twenty major categories, including terminology, sutra titles, people, and temple architecture. In particular, it is enriched with numerous new entries drawn from Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s One-Stroke Calligraphy, commemorative events, meditation hall practices, and specialized institutional terms used by the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA). These additions address both scholarly and practical needs.

Whether reading The Complete Works of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, translating BLIA materials, guiding tours at Fo Guang Shan temples worldwide, or seeking accurate explanations for daily Buddhist practice, this Glossary provides vital support—enhancing the consistency and clarity for Fo Guang members and readers worldwide.

The Glossary traces its roots to the Standardized FGS Names and Terms released in 2005. It was first compiled in a bilingual format in 2018. The 2025 edition continues to integrate terminology and usage drawn from Fo Guang Shan’s major cultural institutions—including Fo Guang Cultural Enterprise, Fo Guang Shan International Translation Center, Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, FGSIHB, and the BLIA. It encompasses specialized Humanistic Buddhist terminology, Dharma words from Venerable Master Hsing Yun, his One-Stroke Calligraphy, departments within the Fo Guang Shan organization, publications, and sutra titles.

For accessibility, The Glossary includes both Hanyu Pinyin and stroke count indexes, assisting readers from diverse linguistic backgrounds and Chinese learners alike. A digital version is also available through an online platform, maintained and updated by FGSIHB. Readers are encouraged to send feedback and suggestions to the editorial team at fgsihbcia@fgsihb.org to contribute to the ongoing glossary development.

More than just a glossary, The Glossary of Humanistic Buddhism: 2025 Edition is a bridge connecting the Dharma and the global community, spreading the truth, goodness, and beauty of Humanistic Buddhism through the language of wisdom.

Online Glossary: https://www.fgsihb.org/dictionary

Book Order: https://www.fgsbooks.com.tw/product/972