ABSTRACT

This research is an analytical study of love in Theravada Buddhism.  It has three objectives as follows:  (1) To study the concept of love in Theravada Buddhism, (2) to study the Buddhist doctrine concerning love and (3) to propose that the Buddhist doctrine be applied for developing human beings and society in the Buddhist way.

          The findings show that love in Theravada Buddhism is abstract; the feeling cannot be touched, but human beings can feel love by way of thought, enjoyment and affliction. In Theravada Buddhism, love is based on craving (Tanhā) which comprises of three kinds of craving, namely: sensual craving (Kāmatanhā), craving for existence (Vibhavatanhā) and craving for  self-annihilation (Vibhavatanhā). Love is also divided into 3 levels: love for oneself, love for others and universal love or mettā.

In Theravada Buddhism, there are many doctrinal principles  of  love, however only some of them were analyzed in this study. First, the principle suitable for the love of oneself is the five precepts, which are to be applied to ordinary people and suitable for general living, bringing benefits to those people and leading to prosperity in the present. Second, the principle suitable for the love of another is the six directions (Disa), which are suitable for the relationship between people of different classes, such  as between parents and children, husband and wife or lovers, and so on. Third, the principle that develops love to loving-kindness (Mettā-appamaññā) is the four sublime abiding virtues (Brahmavihāra).

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