The objective of this thesis was to study the consumption of four factors in Theravada Buddhism, the provisions of the consumption of four factors, and the consumption of four factors to support the realization of Dhamma by the analytical study of the documentary research.
This study is found that four factors in Theravada Buddhism refer to food, clothes, dwelling, and medicine, based on Buddhist monastic disciplines, necessary to meet the basic needs and contentment of a sublime life, and not to satisfy the craving defilements and extravagant life.
Provisions related to the consumption of the four factors as listed in Vinayapitaka include the allowance of three yellow robes and other clothes fabrics necessary to cover the human body, the allowance of food or alms, the allowance of ethical principles for good manners and moral conduct in society, the allowance of proper dwelling for quiet and peaceful solitude on a modest, less noise, and most beneficial basis, and the allowance of medicine necessary for the treatment of immediate diseases.
Consumption of the four factors or requisites to support the realization of Dhamma in Buddhism refers to the consumption of those factors with conscious mind, considering them as just elements, understanding their values and necessities, without being careless in three dimensions of time: past, present, and future. In addition, there are certain principles and practices in Dutangkawatra involving limiting or eradicating defilements, on the consumption of clothes, food or alms, and proper dwelling, that is, the consumption of food or alms should observe the Principle of Moderation or Bhocanemattanyuta by choosing proper diet and being conscious of what is being consumed, the consumption of dwelling should be based on quietness and solitude, and the consumption of medicine should be accompanied by the use of Dhamma as medicine, in order to support or facilitate the realization of Dhamma in Theravada Buddhism. |
