Devdutt Patnaik (DP) gives his own explanation of Hinduism and Buddhism. He does not care about any scripture. For example, in the article quoted in the question he claims, 'Buddha focusses on the self'. That of course is pure rubbish because Buddha says quite clearly in Majjhima Nikaya that his unique contribution to spirituality is the negation of the self. This is just one example of DP rejecting scripture.

Another example of DP rubbish is the article posted below.

http://devdutt.com/articles/indian-mythology/buddhism/the-hermits-smile-how-celibacy-non-violence-and-purity-work-to-establish-patriarchy-in-india.html

He blames celibacy, non-violence and purity for patriarchy.

Devdutt Patnaik (DP) gives his own explanation of Hinduism and Buddhism. He does not care about any scripture. For example, in the article quoted in the question he claims, 'Buddha focusses on the self'. That of course is obviously incorrect because Buddha says quite clearly in Majjhima Nikaya that his unique contribution to spirituality is the negation of the self. This is just one example of DP rejecting scripture.

Another example of DP's questionable assertion is the article posted below.

http://devdutt.com/articles/indian-mythology/buddhism/the-hermits-smile-how-celibacy-non-violence-and-purity-work-to-establish-patriarchy-in-india.html

He blames celibacy, non-violence and purity for patriarchy.

The answer to the question is that DP's claims are not always backed by any scripture.