..續本文上一頁the support of science. Any religion that wants to reach beings in every corner of the world and connect with the hearts of sentient beings who have karmic links with it must adapt to contemporary society and be organized and standardized. Religion should use scientific evidence to prove and support its doctrines; otherwise, it will be difficult for people to accept it.

　　In the past, Chinese Buddhist masters, such as Master Tai Xu and other great masters, emphasized “Humanistic Buddhism.” Regarding this view, I have two opinions. First, “Humanistic Buddhism” cannot be too secular or it will undermine the inherent nature of traditional Buddhism. For example, consider “confidence” in the Triple Jewels. If you use “joy” or “love” to replace “confidence” here, then it could distort its traditional meaning. This kind of secularization of Buddhism is not acceptable. If the change does not amend the fundamental meanings, however, then you can use modern terms to explain the subtle and profound Buddhist teachings as much as you like. For example, you could use the term “living being” to replace the term “sentient being” and “beings with a mind.” This will help others understand the tenets more easily; indeed, this kind of secularism is actually very important.

　　III. Present Decline of Faith and Moral Values

　　In the past, people spent time in research, contemplation, and analysis. Today, however, a desire for success and self-benefit has reinforced people”s tendency toward competitiveness in material development in this short life. Some people have used a metaphor to describe this state of affairs: “Every morning, the deer in Africa will think, “Today, I have to run as fast as I can or else I will be eaten.” The lion then thinks, “Today, I have to run as fast as I can to catch my prey or else I will starve to death.”” The goals of each being, though inpidually different, are basically self-cherishing in nature. For that reason, nowadays, whether you are working in a university or business community, or whether you are a civil servant, such as a teacher or doctor, there is a dark, unethical side to life. What is the cause of this

　　 It is a lack of compassion and the altruistic heart, which is the direct antidote to self-cherishing. If people have these qualities, they will not always be attached to their self-interest and, instead, will be more considerate of the people around them.

　　I have mentioned this example before. If you are in a movie theater and someone in the front row stands up, the people behind also have to stand up in order to see the show. The result is that eventually everyone in the cinema must stand up. Even if their feet hurt, they have no alternative. Today”s society is such that many people only consider themselves. Due to this selfishness and self-cherishing mind, many factories create poisonous products, disregarding the health and interests of others. If we subject this to analysis, we will find that the root cause of this phenomenon is that people do not have correct faith and beliefs, do not believe in the existence of past and future lives, and lack understanding of the law of cause and effect. Such a psychological crisis, in fact, is far more serious than an economic crisis. When an economic crisis occurs, other countries can provide help and support, and your own country may have emergency measures as well. But a mental crisis of humanity is difficult to overcome.

　　To improve the above situation, dialogue between university students and Mahayana Buddhists is vital and constructive. Why

　　 Because although people like us promote the Mahayana teachings and understand the doctrines well, our words may not necessarily have a significant influence on society. If, as intellectuals, however, we can adopt the philosophy of…

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