Bhikkhu Buddhadasy demitologizacja buddyzmu

In: The Polish journal of the arts and culture, Heft 16 (2/2022), S. 87-100

Abstract

Bhikkhu Buddhadasa's Demythologization of Buddhism

The article discuss life and activity of Thai Buddhist monk Bhikkhu Buddhadasa. It presents his views that criticized the traditional understanding of Theravada Buddhism. At the root of his perspective one can distinguish the crisis of Buddhist sangha, the development of modern science and his knowledge of books from other Buddhist and non-Buddhist traditions. Buddhadasa's demythologization of Buddhism means a rejection of rituals and ceremonies, refutation of studies of Buddha's written teachings, replacement of traditional scholastics with his own exegesis, rejection of hierarchy in sangha, and recognition of the equality of all religions. His approach in identifying religions, psychology and empirical science is superficial and cannot be defended.