The monk who redefined Buddhism

Buddhadasa’s life

Lived 1906-1993.

Became a monk at age 20.

Lived in the countryside at

Suan Mokh for many years.

Buddhadasathought the Thai Sanghawas corrrupt( )

He wanted to be alone at SuanMokkh to think.

Anti-SuperstitionBuddhadasa did not believe in superstition.(

)

He wanted to remove superstition and magic from Thai buddhism.

Enlightenment:

Buddhadasabelieved that laypeople could reach enlightenment.

Not only monks as was believed in the past.

Chit Wang

Buddhadasabelieved in something called “chit wang”. It means a pure mind.

It is a form of nirvana, and everyone can get there if they are calm.

Afraid of Change

But it was very difficult for him to change Buddhism. Theravada Buddhism hasn’t changed in 2000 years!

Zen Influence

Buddhadasa was influenced by Zen Buddhism from China and Japan.

Some people did not want Thai Buddhism to have zen influence.

Present Day SuanMokkh monastery.

Many people, including farang, come here for meditation retreats.

Parinibbana?

Buddhadasa did not have the natural, peaceful death he wanted.

He had a stroke , and was on life support for many weeks until he died.

The king of Thailand had great respect for Buddhadasa.

Buddhadasa has not successfully changed Thai Buddhism, but he is very respected by Thai people.

Maybe his ideas will become more popular in the future.

Inspiration

Reading about the views of Buddhadasa Bhikkhuinspired me to stop drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes. He really changed my life.

I want to thank him.