AN ANALYTICAL STUDY OF ETHICS CONCEPT IN DHAMMAPADA

Abstract

The objectives of this thesis are 1) to study the Dhammapada and exegeses, 2) to study ethics in the Dhammapada and exegeses, and 3) to analyze ethics in the Dhammapada and exegeses.  This qualitative piece of academic work was developed by conducting a research and compiling ethics from the Dhammapada, exegeses, academic papers, textbooks, and related researches.

Research results

1. 1. The Dhammapada and exegeses are the Buddha’s collection of teachings with concise contents and stories alongside explanation. The Buddha showed how to learn about life and guided how Buddhist should behave, for everyone to comprehend and reach the core of his Dhamma by contemplating individual characteristic. His teachings are for the peaceful bliss of those who practice as well as other people.
2. 2. Ethics in the Dhammapada and exegeses comprise 3 levels of concept including 1) the basic level which are the 5 Precepts and the 5 Dhamma; 2) the intermediate level which are proper deeds in terms of physical behavior, speech, and thinking; and 3) the top level which are right views, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.
3. 3. Once analyzed, it was found that there are moral principles categorizing goodness and evilness. A significant discovery was the solutions for vehemence of behavior, feelings, and thinking. If one follows the Buddha’s teachings, one will be able to solve mental unrest and chaotic society. Also, one should live a virtuous life. Good things will follow, and livelihood will not be in distress. After death, one will be reborn in the realms of happiness, or reach enlightenment and never reincarnate.