How to Live Longer according to the Buddhist Way of Life

Abstract

        This article entitled “Live Longer according to the Buddhist Way of Life” aimed to study the concepts and theories related to the Western ways of life and search for the concepts of Buddhist livelihood together with the application of Buddha-dharma in prolonging life.  From this study, the western’s perspective of life mentioned that every religion would be the human’s spiritual refuge, teaching their fellows to be good members of society, and adhering virtues, rationalization and faith in truth. There were its own rites and emblems signifying its own identity. People whether being in any social status or any positions, believed in something for living guidance; because the dharma principles would help people to solve the problems and obstacles, and to live together peacefully. In terms of the Buddhist livelihood, it was found in the Buddhist scriptures saying that the importance of long life means worthy living with heedfulness, without being attached to the past and worrying about the future, but, on the contrary, trying to create benefits and value for life to pass through the occasion and present situations successfully. Doing like this is for the happiness which is the important goal of life. Buddhism emphasizes ways to build perfect health in terms of the holistic system of four aspects: physical, social, psychological and intelligent by focusing on the development from within until wisdom occurred which is conducive to livelihood related to external nature both physically and socially coupled with Buddhist dharma principles as well as long livelihood. The study result can be concluded in terms of the adoption of the dharma principles to livelihood, with the self-development both morality, concentration (Samadhi), and wisdom will bring long life, happiness and also benefits to others as well. The other important dharma principles are the Four Brahmavihara (Holy abidings), and the Four Iddhipada (Basis for success). Having a goal of life help drive people not to lose hope in their living and they can share some activities with others in the society effectively. This can be done successfully by adopting the Four Holy Abidings (BrahmaVihara) which are loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy and equanimity. Having adopted these dharma principles will help create contributions to others without taking advantages of them. The society, in turn, would be peaceful situation conducing to long living because the peaceful society would surely bring long-lasting happiness to all.