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This study analyzes the implementation of the Fo Guang Shan vision in developing the talents of Buddhist followers through Dharma education, cultural preservation, and spiritual practice within a multicultural environment. In the context of globalization, Buddhist communities face challenges in maintaining spiritual identity while adapting to diverse social and cultural settings. This research aims to examine how Humanistic Buddhism is applied in talent development programs and to evaluate its relevance in multicultural contexts. The study employs a qualitative descriptive approach with a case study design. Data were collected through participatory observation, documentation, reflective notes, and literature review. The findings indicate that the integration of Dharma education, cultural activities, social service, and spiritual practices forms a holistic development model that balances intellectual growth, character formation, emotional maturity, and social responsibility. The implementation demonstrates that talent development is not limited to technical skills but also emphasizes ethical values and spiritual awareness. This model offers a contextual and inclusive framework that can contribute to sustainable Buddhist community development in the era of globalization.

This research is motivated by the importance of understanding the Heart Sutra within the framework of Humanistic Buddhism, especially for students of Buddhist religious education. The main problem lies in the limited understanding of the relevance of the Heart Sutra to humanistic values ​​in the context of modern life. This study aims to explain the relevance of the Heart Sutra teachings in building applicable spiritual, ethical, and social awareness. The method used is a literature study with a descriptive qualitative approach through text analysis and academic literature review. Data were obtained from primary sources in the form of translations of the Heart Sutra and secondary sources including journals, books, and scientific articles related to Humanistic Buddhism. The results of the study show that the teachings of sunyata (emptiness) in the Heart Sutra not only have profound philosophical meaning, but also provide practical implications in everyday life. The Heart Sutra is able to strengthen the philosophical foundation of Humanistic Buddhism, foster an attitude of compassion, wisdom, and tolerance, and serve as a relevant ethical guideline in facing the dynamics and challenges of modern society.

Buddhist teachings play a crucial role in addressing various social problems that continue to develop in the modern era. Rapid social change, globalization, and technological advancement have brought not only positive impacts but also serious challenges, such as increasing social conflicts, moral degradation, individualism, and the weakening of social awareness within society. In this context, Buddhism offers universal ethical guidance that remains relevant across time, particularly through the principles of compassion (karuṇā), loving-kindness (mettā), wisdom (paññā), and mental equanimity (upekkhā), which guide individuals toward harmonious and responsible living. This study aims to analyze the role of Buddhist values in providing solutions to contemporary social problems. The research employs a descriptive qualitative method based on library research, using a hermeneutic approach to Buddhist sacred texts and relevant scientific studies. The findings indicate that the application of Buddhist values contributes significantly to the development of social morality, the strengthening of social solidarity, conflict resolution, and the formation of individual character marked by empathy, tolerance, and responsibility. Furthermore, these values play an essential role in fostering interreligious harmony and cultivating collective awareness of the importance of peaceful coexistence within pluralistic and multicultural societies.

This study discusses the role of FoGuangShan Humanistic Buddhism in building compassion-based communities through education in Indonesia. As one of the schools of modern Buddhism, FoGuangShan transmits the values of compassion, wisdom, and humanity in educational practices, both formal and informal. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, this study explains how these values are applied in curriculum, learning activities, and social programs involving interfaith and cultural communities. The results of the study show that education based on Humanistic Buddhism plays an important role in fostering tolerance, strengthening moral character, and encouraging social solidarity in Indonesia's multicultural environment. Furthermore, FoGuangShan managed to create a learning space that not only focuses on academic knowledge, but also on the development of empathy, social skills, and collective awareness for living in harmony. In addition, an inclusive and dialogical approach to education is able to strengthen social relations between individuals and minimize potential conflicts based on religious and cultural differences. These findings confirm that the educational model implemented by FoGuangShan can be a significant contribution to the development of character education, interfaith dialogue, and the strengthening of social cohesion in a pluralistic society in Indonesia, as well as an alternative reference for human values-based educational practices.

Gender equality in the religious sphere in Indonesia is a complex phenomenon, shaped by the interaction between theological doctrines, institutional practices, and the socio-cultural context of each tradition. This study employs a qualitative-descriptive approach through literature review to analyze six major religions in Indonesia: Catholicism, Protestantism, Islam, Hindu Dharma, Buddhism, and Confucianism. The analysis focuses on three main dimensions: theological perspectives regarding gender roles and positions, social changes influencing gender relations, and transformations in institutional structures and practices that support gender equality. The findings indicate that historically, women were often placed in subordinate positions due to patriarchal norms, although the core teachings of these religions contain egalitarian principles and recognition of women’s dignity. Contemporary transformations are reflected in the reinterpretation of religious texts and practices that promote gender equality: Catholicism emphasizes the recognition of women’s dignity within the clerical hierarchy; Protestantism opens opportunities for the ordination of female pastors; Islam reinterprets the principles of Qawwamun and family law rights; Balinese Hindu Dharma adjusts women’s roles in rituals and public spheres; Buddhism revives the bhikkhuni order within the sangha; and Confucianism modernizes the interpretation of Wu Lun and San Cong to emphasize mutual responsibilities between husband and wife. In conclusion, despite persistent patriarchal challenges, this study affirms that religion has the potential to act as an agent of social transformation promoting gender equality while maintaining the moral, spiritual, and traditional values distinctive to each tradition. These findings contribute significantly to academic literature, interfaith dialogue, and the development of more gender-inclusive policies.

This study aims to explore the phenomenon of fundraising conducted in the name of Buddhism and humanity in Kisaran City, North Sumatra, using a qualitative approach. Data was collected through direct observation, in-depth interviews with the participants, and document analysis related to the fundraising activities that had been conducted. The research findings show that fundraising is carried out in various forms, such as food donations, social activities, and online donations. All of these activities are rooted in Buddhist values, particularly dana (giving) and karuna (compassion). The use of digital technology, especially online donation platforms, has increased community participation and transparency in the fundraising process. However, the study also identified challenges such as the lack of accountability in managing the funds and the risk of misuse that could undermine public trust. In this context, transparency and active community involvement are essential to building trust and ensuring the effectiveness of religious philanthropy. The study concludes that the sustainability of Buddhist fundraising practices in modern society can be achieved by combining spiritual integrity, good governance, and appropriate technology adaptation. Through this holistic approach, Buddhism-based fundraising can remain relevant and effective in supporting humanitarian activities in the digital age.

This research undertakes a comparative analysis of the concept of divorce within the frameworks of Islamic Family Law and Buddhist Ethics. Marriage, recognized as a profound bond of both physical and spiritual union, holds significant value in both religious traditions. However, contemporary social realities reveal a high incidence of divorce, prompting a critical examination of the legal and ethical mechanisms governing its dissolution. Within Islamic jurisprudence, divorce (talak) is permitted but considered detestable by Allah, governed by stringent procedural mechanisms including talak (the husband’s right), khulu’ or gugat cerai (the wife’s right to initiate), and fasakh (judicial intervention). These processes carry clear legal implications concerning the waiting period (iddah), the possibility of reconciliation (rujuk), and the division of marital property. Conversely, while Buddhism does not explicitly prohibit divorce, the teachings of the Buddha strongly encourage spouses to exhaust all avenues for peaceful conflict resolution before considering separation as a last resort. The ethical framework in Buddhism grants equal rights to both parties to dissolve the marriage. This study employs a qualitative descriptive analytical method through library research, drawing upon primary legal texts such as Indonesia’s Law No. 1 of 1974 on Marriage and the Compilation of Islamic Law (KHI) for Muslims, alongside the Vinaya Pitaka for adherents of Buddhism. The findings indicate that while both traditions view divorce as a final option, they diverge fundamentally in their legal structures; Islamic law establishes specific, gender-differentiated rights and obligations, whereas Buddhist ethics emphasize mutual consent and personal responsibility without formal legalistic procedures. The research concludes by recommending that couples, regardless of faith, prioritize reconciliation and peace, aligning with the core principles of both religions, and urges policymakers and legal practitioners to promote harmonious family life and reconsider legal frameworks that might better serve the welfare of children and families.

This study aims to analyze the formative influence of pre-Buddhist Indian culture on the development of social values within early Buddhist society. Prior to the emergence of Buddhism in the 6th century BCE, Indian civilization had already evolved a complex cultural and philosophical landscape characterized by the varṇa (caste) hierarchy, Vedic ritualism, and the metaphysical doctrines of the Upaniṣads concerning karma, saṃsāra, and mokṣa. Employing a qualitative library research method, this study draws on secondary historical and sociological literature as well as primary Buddhist scriptures from the Sutta Pitaka (Pali Text Society edition). The analysis identifies three major cultural elements Brahmanical ritualism, the doctrine of rebirth and moral causation, and the śramaṇa ascetic movements that provided both the context and the dialectical counterpoint to the rise of Buddhism. The findings reveal that the Buddha’s teaching emerged as a moral and philosophical critique of the Vedic worldview, rejecting hereditary privilege and ritual exclusivity in favor of ethical conduct (sīla), mental cultivation (bhāvanā), and compassionate social responsibility (mettā–karuṇā). Through this transformation, Buddhism redefined human worth based on moral action (kamma), rather than lineage or social status, thus creating an egalitarian and ethically grounded social order. Understanding the pre-Buddhist cultural background offers deeper insight into the sociological, philosophical, and ethical dimensions of early Buddhist thought and highlights its continuing relevance for contemporary discussions on social justice, equality, and interreligious harmony.

This study aims to analyze the process of acculturation between Buddhism and local culture in Indonesia, particularly in the context of the formation of a unique and historically relevant Nusantara Buddhist identity. The focus of the study includes the integration of the Tri Pitaka teachings with local cultural values, practices, language, art, and rituals to create a form of religious practice that is adaptive and meaningful for the local community. The research method used is a descriptive qualitative approach, with data collection techniques through observations of religious practices, interviews with religious and community leaders, and literature studies of relevant texts, inscriptions, historical artifacts, and scientific works. Data were analyzed interpretively through reduction, thematic grouping, and narrative construction that connects field phenomena to historical, social, and cultural contexts. The results show that the acculturation of Buddhism in Java is harmonious and multidimensional. The integration of Buddhism with local culture is manifested in the adaptation of ritual language, temple relief sculptures, ritual traditions such as Javanese puja bhakti (prayer offerings) and slametan (celebration ceremonies), and practices of respect for parents that align with Buddhist teachings. The Buddhist identity of the Indonesian archipelago is created through a synthesis of universal Buddhist values ​​and local culture, strengthening social cohesion and serving as a means of moral education for a multicultural society. This research contributes to the understanding of religious and cultural acculturation and opens up space for further study of the dynamics of religious integration in Indonesia.

Human Trafficking is a non-traditional security issue that is of particular concern for the Southeast Asian region. Thailand is the country that is most highlighted for this case, especially in sexual exploitation in the form of prostitution. Prostitution in Thailand is even included in the category of tourism for foreign tourists. This prostitution tourism contributes 60% of the country's income for the tourism sector, exceeding half of tourism income. Prostitution tourism is certainly very closely related to human trafficking, as can be seen in commercial sex workers (CSWs) who are mostly minors and women. The deep-rooted culture is a trigger for the rise of CSWs who mostly come from rural communities. The culture that comes from Buddhism as the largest teaching in Thailand is "returning favors", namely that children are obliged to help the family economy. This study uses a descriptive qualitative research method with a library research data collection technique to see the problem of human trafficking in Thailand with a constructivist approach. The results of the study will discuss human trafficking in Thailand, local culture that has an impact on the problem of human trafficking, and international responses to this problem. With this understanding, it is hoped that we will be able to see the problem of human trafficking from a social and normative perspective, which has so far only focused on international cooperation and law enforcement.

This study examines the role of Humanistic Buddhism as practiced by Fo Guang Shan in building compassion-based communities through education in Indonesia. As a contemporary Buddhist movement with global development, Fo Guang Shan emphasizes the integration of values such as compassion, wisdom, and humanity into both formal and non-formal educational practices that are relevant to the social context of modern society. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, this research explores in depth the implementation of Humanistic Buddhist values within educational curricula, learning activities, and various community empowerment programs involving interfaith and intercultural engagement. Data were obtained through analysis of educational activities and social practices conducted by Fo Guang Shan in Indonesia. The findings indicate that education grounded in Humanistic Buddhism contributes significantly to fostering interreligious tolerance, shaping learners’ moral character, and promoting social solidarity within Indonesia’s pluralistic society. Beyond academic aspects, Fo Guang Shan’s educational model also prioritizes the development of empathy, social responsibility, and collective awareness to encourage harmonious coexistence. This study concludes that the educational initiatives undertaken by Fo Guang Shan offer a transformative approach to building an inclusive, compassionate society oriented toward sustainable social engagement.

This study explores the role of Vihara Buddhagaya Watugong as a center for the revival of Buddhism in post-independence Indonesia. The main objective is to understand how this vihara contributed to the revitalization of Buddhism through historical, cultural, and spiritual lenses. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed, involving archival research, in-depth interviews, architectural observation, and oral history. Findings reveal that Vihara Buddhagaya Watugong serves multiple functions as a place of worship, cultural hub, and interfaith dialogue platform. Its architectural features, such as the Avalokitesvara Pagoda and other sacred elements, illustrate a fusion of Buddhist values and local wisdom. The vihara actively engages in education, tradition preservation, and the strengthening of Buddhist religious identity within a multicultural society. These results suggest that the revival of Buddhism in Indonesia is not solely a spiritual phenomenon but also contributes to the national narrative of cultural identity and social harmony. Thus, Vihara Buddhagaya Watugong stands as a significant symbol of religious revitalization, cultural heritage, and social cohesion in modern Indonesia.

This study aims to conduct an in-depth examination on the concept of Buddhist economic based on the principles of the Buddha’s teachings in the Sutta Pitaka. The methodology used in this research is descriptive qualitative with literature analysis, collecting data obtained from both primary and secondary sources. The primary source refers to the main Buddhist scripture, the Tipitaka, especially the Sutta Pitaka section. Secondary sources include books, journals, and articles relevant to the topic, which help to enrich the discussion on the concept of Buddhist economic. The research results show that the Buddhist economic is an approach that integrates the principles of Buddha’s teachings with the practice of wealth accumulation and management based on ethics and morality. Buddhism is a religion that emphasizes moral practice, so the right way to accumulate wealth is by not neglecting Buddhist morality. Human welfare should not be achieved by harming other beings or damaging the environment. Proper wealth management is the wisdom in using wealth to support the achievement of welfare. This study provides an important contribution to Buddhist knowledge about the correct strategies for wealth accumulation and management that support economic growth and welfare while prioritizing morality.

Tradisi Sedekah Bumi in Dusun Krajan, Tunahan Village, is a cultural practice rich in symbolic and spiritual meanings. This study aims to uncover the symbolic meanings of offerings in this tradition and examine their relevance to the concept of pattidāna in Theravāda Buddhism. The research employs a qualitative method with an ethnographic approach, using participant observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation for data collection. The findings show that offerings carry complex symbolic meanings as a form of spiritual communication with ancestors and unseen beings. Elements such as flowers, coffee, incense, and takir reflect values of spirituality, ancestral reverence, and gratitude toward nature. This practice is aligned with the concept of pattidāna, which refers to merit transfer to ancestors as an expression of spiritual solidarity and communal identity. The study concludes that Sedekah Bumi embodies an integration of local and Buddhist values, making it a significant cultural practice to preserve amidst the challenges of modernity and contemporary spiritual crises

Indonesia is a country with a lot of diversity, both in terms of culture, natural resources and religion. In Indonesia, there are 6 official religions, namely Islam, Catholic Christianity, Protestant Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism and Confucianism. Therefore, inter-religious conflicts are prone to occur in Indonesia. Religious moderation is the key to maintaining social harmony and preventing radicalization and intolerance. This study discusses how Islamic education, through the curriculum, teaching methods and values ​​taught, can contribute to instilling an inclusive, tolerant attitude and respect for differences. Through literature review and concept analysis, this article emphasizes that Islamic education, both formal and non-formal, can be the main pillar in strengthening religious moderation in Indonesia.  

In the advancement of information technology and technology in the modern era, it certainly has a considerable impact on various areas of life, including in the spread of religious teachings, one of which is Buddhism. The method of delivering the Dhamma today does not only use traditional approaches such as lectures or Dhammadesana in monasteries or live teachings, but now it can be through digital media such as Youtube, social media, applications, or online videos. This article reviews how technology plays an important role as a tool that can reach more people around the world without being limited by space and time. Through the various uses of these technological developments, the teachings of the Dhamma are presented in a more interesting, interactive, and easily accessible form for all groups, such as audio-visuals, digital books, podcasts, and application-based online classes. In addition, technology also allows for virtual discussion forums, sharing of spiritual experiences, and digital preservation of Buddhist texts. Thus, the use of appropriate technological developments can support the sustainability, development, and spread of the Dhamma so that it remains relevant, sustainable, and beneficial to today's society and future generations.

The history of Christianity in Asia encompasses various aspects, including its origins, development, and the dynamics of the Church in a continent rich in cultural diversity and traditions. Christianity first entered Asia in the first century through trade routes and the missions of the apostles, spreading rapidly in regions such as Mesopotamia, Persia, and South India. Despite facing significant challenges, such as interactions with major religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam, as well as complex social and political influences, the Christian Church continued to develop. During the colonial era, European missions provided a new impetus for the spread of Christianity in Asia, though it was often linked with foreign dominance, triggering resistance from local communities. However, the Christian Church in Asia managed to adapt to local cultures and traditions, creating unique expressions of faith in each country or community. This diversity resulted in a unique dynamic within the Church, where Christianity not only survived but thrived despite ongoing social, political, and cultural challenges. In addition to exploring theological and historical aspects, this article also discusses the contributions of the Christian Church in Asia to education, healthcare, and social justice, which played a significant role in shaping social structures and improving the well-being of society. In the modern era, churches in Asia face new challenges such as globalization, religious pluralism, and social change, yet they continue to play an important role in society, both spiritually and socially. Overall, this article portrays Christianity in Asia as an integral part of the continent's history and development, continually adapting to changing times while making significant contributions to society, all while maintaining the core values of its teachings.

The history of Christianity in Asia encompasses various aspects, including its origins, development, and the dynamics of the Church in a continent rich in cultural diversity and traditions. Christianity first entered Asia in the first century through trade routes and the missions of the apostles, spreading rapidly in regions such as Mesopotamia, Persia, and South India. Despite facing significant challenges, such as interactions with major religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam, as well as complex social and political influences, the Christian Church continued to develop. During the colonial era, European missions provided a new impetus for the spread of Christianity in Asia, though it was often linked with foreign dominance, triggering resistance from local communities. However, the Christian Church in Asia managed to adapt to local cultures and traditions, creating unique expressions of faith in each country or community. This diversity resulted in a unique dynamic within the Church, where Christianity not only survived but thrived despite ongoing social, political, and cultural challenges. In addition to exploring theological and historical aspects, this article also discusses the contributions of the Christian Church in Asia to education, healthcare, and social justice, which played a significant role in shaping social structures and improving the well-being of society. In the modern era, churches in Asia face new challenges such as globalization, religious pluralism, and social change, yet they continue to play an important role in society, both spiritually and socially. Overall, this article portrays Christianity in Asia as an integral part of the continent's history and development, continually adapting to changing times while making significant contributions to society, all while maintaining the core values of its teachings.

The background of this research related to Social Interaction is defined as a dynamic mutual social relationship, which concerns the relationship between individuals, individuals and groups, groups and groups. The main problem in this study is to understand the interaction of religious people in increasing solidarity between religious communities in Bukit Nenas Village by looking at the many positive activities carried out in the Bukit Nenas Village area. Cooperation carried out by religious communities is Islam, Protestant Christianity, Catholicism, Buddhism, and Hinduism. Especially when Muslims are performing worship during the holidays, people who live close to the mosque environment voluntarily help maintain security around the place of worship and who maintain that security from other Protestant and Catholic Christians. To see the benefits of the formation of a sense of solidarity between others, the researcher is interested in further studying the benefits of community interaction and its influence in realizing social solidarity in Bukit Nenas Village. The results of this study show that the influence of community interaction on socio-religious life in the village is very numerous, including from the social side, establishing good communication between communities, both communities around the house and communities that are far away and different environments, realizing and increasing community solidarity, and maintaining brotherhood. The benefit from the religious side is that harmony that has been maintained to this day can be used as an example by many people and other regions. Judging from the culture of interaction between communities that have cultural differences, the community knows about other cultures.

Buddhism is a religion that aims to bring happiness to all living beings through mutual respect, acceptance, celebrating differences, and living peacefully. Of course, this kind of thing is in accordance with multicultural education, one of the aims of which is to develop the ability to recognize, accept, appreciate and celebrate cultural diversity. This qualitative research using literature studies analyzes the significance of multicultural education values ​​in Buddhist teachings. The data analysis technique uses content analysis by sorting things according to the focus and objectives of the research. This research produces the following three conclusions. First, Buddhism teaches tolerance so that its followers can listen to the teachings of other religions with full awareness as stated in "samaggā sakhilā hotha", meaning "let each other be in harmony and do good. Second, Buddhism teaches its followers to behave democratically, which was directly exemplified by the Buddha when making a decision for the Kalama people. Third, Buddhism teaches peace and always avoids all forms of conflict, hostility and fighting because those who can realize this truth will immediately end fighting.