AN ANALYTICAL STUDY OF GREED (LOBHA) IN BUDDHISM

Abstract

This article focuses on (1) investigating the concept of greed (Lobha) in Buddhism, and (2) analyzing the methods of suppressing greed (Lobha) in Buddhism. The results of the study revealed that within the meaning of Buddhism, greed (Lobha) is a symptom of the mind that craves absolutely. It is a sadness of the mind, causing the person to seek what he/she wants in a dishonest way, and also being the unwholesome roots. Greed or Lobha can be classified into three major levels: 1) Greed in depth. 2) Greed in the middle 3) Greed in the rough. Greed at all levels are said to be the cause of sufferings. Greed can be restrained by 1) Dana: meritorious action consisting in giving; 2) Slla: meritorious action consisting in observing the precepts, and 3) Bhavana: meritorious action consisting in mental development. The elimination of ignorance leads to one’s proper life in human societies. It can be said that Bhavana could prevent it to occupy one’s minds again. Thus, giving, observing precepts and meditating could be used as a way of restraining one’s greed undoubtedly. At the same time, it can also enhance one’s intelligence and make one’s better life in a peaceful way