ABSTRACT

                   This dissertation entitled "An Analytical Study of Thinking Method to Decrease Suffering in Theravada Buddhism" is of three objectives, i.e., (1) to study a status of the suffered according to Buddhism; (2) to study thinking method to decrease suffering according to Buddhism; and (3) to study a pattern of thinking method to decrease suffering for the present society. To this regard, Nibbedhikasutta, Dhammacakkappavattanasutta, and Mahãsatipaṭṭhãnasutta are framed for a research study.

                   The results of the research are as following:

                   The status of the suffered people are of three kinds, i.e., the separation from what is loved, the facing with what is not loved, and not to receive the desired things. There would be any wise people to advise ways of thinking to these suffered people. The wise way of thinking to decrease suffering is of two kinds, it can be stated that suffering is of two aspects, i.e., physical suffering and mental suffering.  There are two causes of suffering, i.e., the external stimulus that causes the suffering to arise and the internal stimulus that causes a belief to arise in the mind the fact of which is against reality. The true cause of suffering is a craving leading the irrational thinking to arise and Ignorance causes an untrue understanding of the true nature of the world. The way to extinguish suffering is precepts, meditation, and wisdom. In this particular, wisdom is focussed as a way to extinguish suffering.

The thinking method to decrease suffering according to Buddhism are of thirty three for the separated from what one loved. There are fourteen ways of thinking for the one faced with what is not loved, and the eight ways of thinking for the one not get what is wished. All the thinking methods are synthesized into thirteen in number.

The model thinking pattern according to Buddhism suitable to the present society is of three types: (1) the ways of thinking when the one separated from the beloved (2) the ways of thinking when the one facing with what is not loved, and (3) the ways of thinking when the one not get what wished. In any thinking, it must  be based on the rational thought, the right concept of optimism, perseverance, and mindfulness.

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