Abstract

The purpose of this research was to study world view based on Buddhist philosophy, the Dhamma principles related to Buddhist world view, and the applications of those principles for self-development.  The results of research are summarized below.

Buddhist world view in Buddhist philosophy contains both direct and indirect views: direct view refers to Okãsaloka, i.e., 31 realms; indirect view means Sattavaloka, i.e., all living things that have four types of life origins and forms, especially human beings with  physical and mental development that depends on maturational process, internal and external factors. Physical development aims at good health and strength whereas mental development aims at cessation of all defilements and at spiritual emancipation. Buddhist world view based on Buddhist philosophy contains ten realistic views of the world as it is. This study mainly focused on 3-way Buddhist world view covering Advantages (Assãda), Disadvantages (Ãdinava), and Freedom and non-attachment (Nissarana), not on just one of these which is harmful and self-destructive.

Dhamma principles that reflect Buddhist world view based on Buddhist philosophy include, for examples, (1)  Dhamma directly related to advantages: Lokiyasukha(Worldly Pleasure) or Kãmasukha(Sensual Pleasure) and Jãnasukha (Spiritual Pleasure),  3 Sampatti (3 Types of Prosperity), 3 Attha(3 Types of Benefits), 4 Sukha          (4 Types of  Joy), and supportive Dhamma such as Punnakiriyavatthu(Items of Meritorious Action), Ditthadhammikattha (Present Benefits), 4 Brahmavihara (4 Divine States), Sangahavatthu (Principles of Service and Social Integration); (2) Dhamma related to disadvantages includes, for instances, 5 Upãdãnakkhandha (5 Aggregates of Clinging),    3 Dukkhatã (3 Types of Conflict), Kãmadinavakathã (Disadvantages of Sensual Pleasure), and supportive Dhamma such as 5 Samvara (5 Restraints),  5 Abhinhapaccavekkhana     (5 Facts for Contemplation), Maranãnussati (Meditation on Death), Santutthi (Contentment), etc.; (3) Dhamma related to freedom and non-attachment, for examples, Nekkhamma (Renunciation), Nibbãna (Enlightenment), 5 Vimutti (2 Types of Emancipation), 9 Lokuttaradhamma (9 Supramundane States) and supportive Dhamma such as Tilakkhana (3 Characteristics), 8 Lokadhamma (8 Worldy Vicissitudes), 7 Bodhipakkhiyadhamma       (7 Virues Leading to Enlightenment) which include, for instances, 4 Satipatthãna               (4 Foundations of Mindfulness), 4 Sammappadhãna (4 Supreme Efforts), 4 Iddhipãda       (4 Paths of Accomplishment), 5 Indriya (5 Spiritual Faculties), 5 Bala (5 Powers),                 7 Bojjhanga (7 Constiuents of Enlightenment), 8 Magga (8 Noble Paths); and (4) Dhamma related to all 3-way Buddhist worldview are, for example, Anupubbikathã (Graduated Sermon) and its supportive Dhamma such as 4 Ariyasacca (Four Noble Truths).

Applications of Dhamma related to Buddhist worldview based on Buddhist philosophy for self-development and actualization can be done in 4 levels:                       (1) Kãyabhãvanã-Physical Development, (2) Silabhãvanã-Moral Development,                 (3) Cittabhãvanã-Emotional Development and (4) Pannãbhãvanã-Intellectual development. The applications of Dhamma related to advantages (Assãda) include Puññakiriyavatthu (Bases of Meritorious Action), which can be applied in all 4 levels; Ditthadhammikattha (Immediate Benefits) and 4 Sangahahavatthu (4 Principles of Service and Social Integration) for physical and moral development, 4 Brãhmavihãra (4 Sublime States of Mind) mainly for emotional development. Next, the applications of Dhamma related to disadvantages (Ãdinava) for self-development include 5 Samvara (5 Restraints) which can be applied in all 4 levels as well, 5 Abhinhapaccavekkhana (5 Facts for Contemplation) and Maranãnussati (Meditation on Death) for intelligence development, Santutthi (Contentment) for physical and moral development, Tilakkhana (3 Characteristics) which can also be applied in all 4 levels. Then, the applications of Dhamma related to freedom and non-attachment (Nissarana) include 8 Lokadhamma (8 Worldly Vicissitudes) mainly for moral development and intelligence development, Nekkhamma(Renunciation) mainly for emotional development and intelligence development, Bhodhipakkhiyadhamma (Virtues Leading to Enlightenment) which can be applied in all 4 levels. Finally, the applications of Dhamma related to all 3-way Buddhist world view (Assãda, Ãdinava, and Nissarana) based on Buddhist philosophy for self-development include 5 Anupubbikatha (Graduated Sermon) and 4 Ariyasacca (Four Noble Truths) which can certainly be applied in all 4 levels.