Abstract

             This research aimed to: (1) investigate the concept of death, according to Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, (2) study the concept of death, according to Albert Camus, and (3) compare the concept of death in the opinions of Buddhadasa Bhikkhu and Albert Camus. This is a documentary research based on the analysis of primary and secondary resources. The results showed the following.

             According to Buddhadasa, life is performance of the duty, and death is nothing but the emptiness of the mind, free from prejudices and all forms of attachment. So metaphysically, death does not really exist. Elements of death consist of body, mind, and consciousness. Two types are natural and unnatural. The value of death can be viewed externally and internally. And life after death will depend on the Law of Kamma and mental defilements leading to the endless cycle of rebirths or samsara.

             However, Albert Camus views life as a drama that portrayed the daily life of man and life is an abstract thing, whereas death belongs to materialism, elements of death create the meaning of life and self-value. Albert Camus did not mention the type of death directly, he mentioned only that the state of human nature had no meaning and values that were absolutely fixed, that man was subject to space and time, and that happiness was the value that showed the relationship of man himself and the world only.

             Human life, according to Buddhadasa Bhikkhu and Albert Camus, have something in common, that is, it should be conducted to serve the best, and it is the duty of the people who are still alive. Nevertheless, in Albert Camus’s opinions, death is part of life and it is abstract, aimless, contains no real substance, and human duty is endless. In Buddhadasa Bhikkhu’s opinions, elements of death are body, mind, and consciousness; death does not really exist metaphysically.

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