Abstract
This research has 3 objectives, namely 1) to study the 10 Upasakas’ s biographies, 2) to study the Doctrinal principles which each Upasaka practices and 3) analytically study the characteristics of attaining the Dhammas by Upasakas appearing in the Buddhist Scriptures.
This research is a documentary one. The research has collected the data, the biographies and the Doctrinal principles in leading their lives.
From the study of the Three Baskets, the Commentaries, the text books and the related research works, it is found that in those Upasakas’ Births, they called could listen to the Dhammas taught by Padumutara Buddha and set up the wishes to be able to listen to Gotama Buddha’s Dhammas directly or the Dhamma taught by their disciples (Savakas). Some Ubasakas had attained the high Doctrines, and some the low ones. However, some Upasakas attained only the Dhamma-Cakkhu. Each of them received the admirations from the Buddha as the Etadagga according their ability. They had followed the principles of Upasakas Dhammas, Tisikkha and Dasa-Disas (the Ten Directions) to be applied to their lives strictly. Moreover, they still offered donations, observed the precepts, practiced the meditation, and protested Buddhism by always looking after the monks.
The characteristics of attaining the Dhamma by Upasakas as appeared in the Buddhist scriptures, are mostly of the factors causing them to attain the Path, because they used to develop the Perfections (Parami) from their past births. Moreover, they set up their wishes to attain the Path and Fruith at the present birth. |