Modern Buddhist Practice: Between Secularism and Traditionalism

Dhamma talk with Q&A session offered by Prof. Geshe Georges Dreyfus, about the influence of Ajahn Buddhadasa's teachings on his thinking, how Ajahn’s ideas helped him to understand the Dhamma in ways that are appropriate for a modern scientifically educated person and yet also completely respectful of the integrity of the Buddhist tradition.

'Modern Buddhist Practice: between secularism and traditionalism'

(Reading Buddhadasa in the Himalayas)

1st February, 2020 (14.00 - 16.00)

Meditation Hall Buddhadāsa Indapañño Archives, Bangkok

About Ajahn Georges Dreyfus: Prof. Georges Dreyfus spent fifteen years as a Buddhist monk before receiving in 1985 the title of Geshe, the highest degree conferred by Tibetan monastic universities. He then entered the University of Virginia where he received his Ph.D. in the History of Religions program. During these years, he has also been a translator for the Dalai Lama with whom he is personally acquainted. He is currently Professor of Religion of the Department of Religion at Williams College.

He has published several books including "The Sound of Two Hands Clapping: the Education of a Tibetan Buddhist Monk" (Berkeley: University of California Press, 2003), and many articles on various aspects of Buddhist philosophy and Tibetan culture. He has been chair of the Religion department at Williams College and chair of the Tibetan and Himalayan Religions group of the American Academy of Religion. He is the recipient of various awards such as a National Endowment for the Humanities.

Books by Prof. Georges Dreyfus (a selection):

"Recognizing Reality: Dharmakirti and his Tibetan Interpreters" (Albany: SUNY Press, 1997) https://www.sunypress.edu/p-2425-reco...

"The Svatantrika-Prasangika Distinction" (Co-edited with Sara McClintock, Boston: Wisdom, 2003) https://www.amazon.com/Svatantrika-Pr...

"The Sound of Two Hands Clapping: the Education of a Tibetan Buddhist Monk" (Berkeley: University of California Press, 2003) https://www.ucpress.edu/book/97805202...