LIVING A LIFE ACCORDING TO THE PRINCIPLES OF 6 DIRECTIONS IN THERAVADA BUDDHIST PHILOSOPHY

Abstract

The objectives of this thesis were as follows: 1) to study the principles of living, 2) to study the 6 Directions in Theravada Buddhist philosophy, and 3) to analyze the lifestyle according to the 6 Directions in Theravada Buddhist philosophy. The data of this qualitative research were collected from the Tipitaka, textbooks, research works, theses, and articles on the concept of living and interrelated practice of human duty in the concept of Theravada Buddhist philosophy. The data were analyzed, summarized and presented in a descriptive method.

The study results were found that:

1) Human life is an essential element in development in every dimension in order to cope with the changes in society. Living a life without duty and responsibility concentration can become worthless. Humans can live a happy life by not in connection with causes of ruin. At the same time, they have to realize their own duty and treat the others suitable to their roles and relations.

2) The 6 Directions in Theravada Buddhist philosophy are the principles that individuals should practice to promote a good human life individually and socially. These principles help make individuals live a happy life and make society establish calmly and normally. The 6 Directions are 6 types of duty; 1. The direction in front refers to duty of parents and children, 2. The direction in the right refers to duty of teachers and students, 3. The direction behind refers to a husband and a wife, 4. The direction in the left refers to the duty of friends and associates, 5. The direction below refers to the duty of workmen and masters, and 6. The upper direction refers to the duty of monks and lay-people.

3) Living a lifestyle according to the 6 Directions is the way to promote the practice of the right duty that humans should treat one another. In daily life, these principles can help improve life quality, social conditions and environments because everyone understands and follows one’s own duty and responsibility. It is necessary to live a life with quality and value for the happiness and peacefulness of oneself and society.