Christmas Humphreys Quotes

Barrister
England
1901 - 1983

Christmas Humphreys was a British barrister, judge, and author who is best known for his contributions to Buddhism and Eastern philosophy. He was a prominent figure in the Buddhist community and played a key role in introducing Buddhism to the Western world. Humphreys was also a prolific writer, with over 20 books on Buddhism, including his most notable work, “Buddhism: An Introduction and Guide.” He was also the founder of the London Buddhist Society and the Buddhist Society of the United Kingdom. Humphreys’ writings and teachings have had a lasting impact on the understanding and practice of Buddhism in the West.Read Less

Our lives are based on what is reasonable and common sense; Truth is apt to be neither. Feraz Zeid, December 25, 2023, Christmas Humphreys, Common Sense, Our Lives, Truth Is, 0

- Christmas Humphreys

Barrister

· England

It follows that I must accept myself for what I am before I can deliberately change it. Feraz Zeid, December 25, 2023, Christmas Humphreys, Accepting, 0

- Christmas Humphreys

Barrister

· England

Accepting

Christmas Humphreys Career Highlights

Humphreys was born on February 15, 1901, in London, England. He studied law at Jesus College, Oxford, and was called to the bar in 1924. He quickly gained recognition as a skilled barrister and was appointed as a King’s Counsel in 1949.
In 1948, Humphreys was appointed as a judge of the County Court, and in 1950, he became a judge of the High Court of Justice. He served as a judge for over 20 years and was known for his fair and just decisions.
In addition to his legal career, Humphreys was also a dedicated Buddhist practitioner. He was introduced to Buddhism in the 1920s and became a student of the renowned Zen master, D.T. Suzuki. He also studied under other prominent Buddhist teachers, including Nyogen Senzaki and Sokei-an Sasaki.
In 1926, Humphreys co-founded the Buddhist Society in London, which aimed to promote the study and practice of Buddhism in the West. He served as the society’s president for over 40 years and played a crucial role in establishing Buddhism as a legitimate religion in the UK.
Humphreys was also a prolific writer and published several books on Buddhism, including “Buddhism: An Introduction and Guide” and “The Wisdom of Buddhism.” He also translated many Buddhist texts, including the Lotus Sutra, into English.
In 1951, Humphreys was appointed as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to Buddhism and the legal profession. He was also awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure by the Japanese government in 1978.

Key Contributions by Christmas Humphreys

Humphreys’ most significant contribution was his role in promoting Buddhism in the Western world. He worked tirelessly to spread the teachings of Buddhism and to dispel misconceptions about the religion.
He played a crucial role in the revival of the ancient Buddhist tradition of the Lotus Sutra. He translated the text into English and wrote extensively about its teachings, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Humphreys also played a significant role in establishing Buddhism as a recognized religion in the UK. He worked with other Buddhist leaders to gain recognition and support from the government, leading to the establishment of the first Buddhist temple in London in 1926.
As a judge, Humphreys was known for his fair and just decisions. He was also a strong advocate for human rights and often used his position to speak out against injustice and discrimination.

What Sets Christmas Humphreys Apart

Humphreys’ unique combination of a successful legal career and deep understanding of Buddhism set him apart from his peers. He was able to bridge the gap between Eastern and Western cultures and bring a fresh perspective to both fields.
His dedication to promoting Buddhism in the West and his efforts to revive the Lotus Sutra demonstrate his passion and commitment to the religion. He was a true pioneer in bringing Buddhism to the Western world.
Humphreys’ contributions to the legal profession and his advocacy for human rights also set him apart. He used his position as a judge to speak out against injustice and discrimination, making him a respected and influential figure in both the legal and Buddhist communities.

Takeaways

Christmas Humphreys’ career highlights and key contributions demonstrate his significant impact on both the legal and Buddhist communities. He was a highly respected and influential figure who dedicated his life to promoting Buddhism and advocating for justice and human rights.
His legacy continues to inspire and influence people around the world, and his work has played a crucial role in the growth and acceptance of Buddhism in the Western world.
Humphreys’ unique combination of skills, passion, and dedication serves as a reminder that one person can make a significant difference in the world. His contributions to both law and religion serve as an example of how different fields can intersect and complement each other.