Taixu’s Concept of “Buddhist Minister” in Relation to the Formation and Profession of Buddhist Chaplaincy in the US

Abstract

In the early 20th century, Master Taixu proposed the concept of “Buddhist Minister” to provide specific plans for reforming Buddhism in China—enhancing its social recognition and engagement. In his proposal, qualifications for becoming a Buddhist minister were in line with the “Three Stages of Formation,” “Four Levels of Learning,” and “Three Levels of Practicing.” The proposal includes a specific paradigm of “Neo-Buddhology,” that is, applied Buddhology in theory and practice. In the early 21st century, Professor Richard Osmer from Princeton Theological Seminary proposed the practical theological concepts of descriptive-empirical, interpretive, normative, and pragmatic paradigms in response to the extension of Christian church ministry into secular contexts. Under these four tasks of practical theological paradigm, the formation and profession of Buddhist chaplaincy in the US was developed. This article introduces Master Taixu’s concept of a Buddhist Minister. It analyzes the influence of Professor Osmer’s practical theological paradigm in the professional formation of Buddhist chaplaincy. Finally, this article discusses the potential enrichment and advancement of Buddhist chaplaincy in the US using Master Taixu’s applied Buddhological paradigm. Such changes may inspire Buddhist and Christian dialogues with regard to religious/spiritual social services in the US.