Modern Buddhism and Buddhadasa Bhikkhu: A social history

摘要

Buddhadasa Bhikkhu is one of the most well-known and prominent Buddhist thinkers. He published numerous books and articles during his lifetime (1906-93) and his life and teachings are well researched. Buddhadasa Bhikkhu is often referred to as a reformer and he was influenced by Zen Buddhism and encouraged interfaith activities. Buddhadasa has also been regarded as a socially engaged Buddhist monk who inspired Buddhists to engage in development issues and social work. This is ascribed to his teaching of nibbana as a state of mind that is accessible to people in their daily life. Even though many Buddhists in Thailand attribute their engagement in social issues to Buddhadasa's teaching, Buddhadasa himself was not actively involved in social projects (p. 217).