Before the Coming of Dictatorial Dhammic Socialism : The Movement of Buddhadasa Bhikkhu’s Thought 1940s - 1966 A.D.

Abstract

This article examines how Buddadhasa Bikkhu’s thought was interpreted under the political contexts of Thai society during the 1950s, when Buddhism, the main ideology of Thailand, encountered Communism in the early periods in which many intellectuals were arguing about Buddhism and Communism. The study shows that Buddhadasa Bikkhu did not agree with either Communism or Liberal Democracy as the regimes based on these ideologies failed to create permanent peace, and they both focused on materialistic fulfillment. They, thus, aim at mundane happiness, whereas the Buddhist democracy and socialism aim to the spiritual bliss. In Buddhadasa Bikkhu’s thought, the ideal political system according to Buddhismis considered the best system.