Abstract

This thesis has three objectives: to study Sāraṇīyadhamma (Virtues for Fraternal Living) in the Theravāda Buddhism, to study harmony in the Theravāda Buddhist scriptures and to study Sāraṇīyadhamma in supporting harmony in the Theravāda Buddhism. Clarified and analyzed data are taken from the Theravāda Buddhism namely, the Tipitaka, Buddhist commentaries, Tīga, and other related scriptures then composed, explained in details, corrected and verified by Buddhist scholars.

The study found that Sāraṇīyadhamma:  states of conciliation or virtues for fraternal living consists of (1) Mettākāyakamma: to be amiable in deed, openly and in private, (2) Mettāvacīkamma: to be amiable in word, openly and in private (3) Mettāmanokamma: to be amiable in thought, openly and in private, (4) Sādhāraṇabhogitā: to share any lawful gains with virtuous fellows (5) Sīlasāmaññatā: to keep without blemish the rules of conduct along with one’s fellows, openly and in private and (6) Diṭṭhisāmaññatā: to be endowed with right views along with one’s fellows, openly and in private. All these dhamma reflect the endearing and keeping others in mind. It can be seen that when monks are in unison, admiring each other and do not engage in quarrel they would look like water that can be mixed harmoniously with milk. There will be no dissension, threaten or expelling of others, which will result in gaining trust from those who are yet to have faith, whilest increase trust from those who already faithed.

The study found that harmony taught in the Theravāda Buddhism starts from having amiable in deed, in word and in thought towards friends and general fellows. Harmony also means one should not consider oneself greater than others while should be respectful to them too. To be harmonios is to try together to get work done efficiently. It needs endurance, sacrifice, sympathy and realizing trouble together. Harmony will make people united and go along well which results in the completeness of work.

The study found that Sāraṇīyadhamma as stated in the Theravāda Buddhism supports harmony. The dhamma can be applied in daily life and will make people in the society live together more peaceful.

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