A Critical Analysis of Buddhist Existentialism in Contemporary Society

Main Article Content

Samphose Prak

Abstract

This article critically examines Buddhist existentialism and its relevance to contemporary society. While Western existentialism emphasizes individual freedom, anxiety, and the search for meaning in an often-absurd world, Buddhist philosophy offers an alternative existential framework grounded in the principles of impermanence, non-self, and suffering.
The objectives of this study are threefold:
1) to examine key Buddhist doctrines in relation to existential concerns such as meaning, identity, freedom, and responsibility, and to argue that Buddhist existentialism provides a distinctive response to modern social crises, including alienation, consumerism, psychological distress, and ethical fragmentation;
2) to explore how Buddhist existential thought can contribute to contemporary social discourse by fostering mindful engagement, ethical responsibility, and compassionate coexistence; and 3) to investigate how this body of knowledge can be applied within the current social order.
Overall, this study seeks to demonstrate that Buddhist existentialism offers both a philosophical and practical pathway for addressing the complexities and challenges of modern life.

Article Details

How to Cite
Prak, S. (2026). A Critical Analysis of Buddhist Existentialism in Contemporary Society. Journal of Graduate MCU KhonKaen Campus, 13(1), 636–648. retrieved from https://so02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/jg-mcukk/article/view/284265
Section
Academic Article

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