Sufficiancy Economic Study in Suttuntapitaka of Theravada Buddhism

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to study the sufficiency economy in Suttuntapitaka of Theravada Buddhism. The sources for this study have been brought from Suttuntapitaka, and academic and researches papers concerned with this study

The results of this research were as follows:

The study of the theory of sufficient economy in Suttuntapitaka of Theravada buddhism was found that there are various suttas in Suttuntapitaka concerning with sufficient economy, but in this study, only three suttas, namely, ananyasutta, vatthistuta, and nithikandhasutta, have been brought to study.

All suttas as said above could be included in the middle path for living, that is to say, following the Noble Eight Fold Path as the Buddha said in his first sermon: “there should be no enamouredness, no addiction, no infatuation, no greed, and no harm to others; human being should avoid two extreme ways. They are:

๑)Sensual Indulgence (Kama-Sukhallikanuyoga)

๒) Self-mortification (Atta-kilamathanuyoga)

According to this stutta, the Buddha had given advice to human beings to follow the middle way, viz., noble eight fold path. This practice is the way to enable human being to reach the cessation of suffering which could be inconcluded in three trainings (ti-sikhas), namely, moral training (sila-sikha), mind-training (citta-sikha), and wisdom-training (Pannasikha).

Thus, the sufficient economic theory in Suttuntapitaka of Theravada Buddhism is the way for living, understanding all things as integration in daily life, living life with balanced lifestyle and the righteous way—following the right livelihood in the beginning and gradually developed to live comfortably in the future. Sufficient economy is called Philosophy or Ideology and Ideal which would enable human beings develop their life and society to the level of sustainable development for themselves, which is sufficient, reasonable, and moderate. The moderation came from sufficient economy would finally make society reaching to the real peace and happiness.