Abstract

There were 3 purposes of this thesis to study spirituality and happiness in Buddhism. To study the Buddhist principles related to the elders, and the application of Buddhist principles related to the elderly. This research was Documentary Research which studied from the Theravada Buddhist Scriptures and related documents, compiled and descriptive. The results was found that

Spiritual happiness in Buddhism is based on peace, goodness, beauty, loving-kindness compassion, and virtue in the mind which result as happiness. Spiritual happiness can be developed by giving alms, percepts observation and meditation to occur in the mental. When the mind is happy and emotional is stable, the effect of the feeling expression on the around people is good for them.

     Buddhist Principles related to the elders namely the primary principles which should be followed and principles that should be omitted to make happiness come in that Akusala-mula or three unwholesome roots namely Lobha or greed, Dosa or anger and Moha or delusion. The Akusala-mula caused of mental illness which the elders should be abandoned. The Brahmavihara, or sublime states of mind, Adhitthana or foundations, Iddhipada or path of accomplishment, and Sangahavatthu or principles of service are guidelines to practice, because they are the Buddhist principles which bring both joy of body and mind. The elderly people should select the right practice for their own age.

    The use of principles to enhance the happiness of the elderly can be divided into 4 aspects. 1) The aspect of body, elders should have a basic precept to control the physical and verbal behavior in the good way. 2) The aspect of mind, elders should always make merit, share happiness and preserve Buddhism. 3) The aspect of social and coexistence, elders should be compassionate, based on understand the others and optimism. 4) The aspect of economy and income should be omitted from the Apayamukha or six causes of ruin and provide some property for sharing by kindness.

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