An Analytical Study of Sila in Sāmaññaphalasutta

Abstract

The article was part of thesis entitled “An Analytical Study of Sila in Sāmaññaphalasutta” containing the following objectives, to study structure and contents of Sāmaññaphalasutta, Sila or disciplines in Sāmaññaphalasutta and to analyze Sīla in Sāmaññaphalasutta. It was qualitative research with documentary type. The findings were that Sāmaññaphalasutta appearing in the second discourse of Dighanikaya, Silakhandavagga, Suttantapitaka explains the fruits of a recluse being, benefits of being recluse, worldly renunciation, the aims of self-training through bodily, verbal and mental appeasing in both of principle and practice. In this discourse, the Buddha classified precepts in to; Culasīla or the basic disciplines which everyone should follow strictly for rough defilements restrains, Majjhimasīla or middle contains the codes of deeds which are higher than the first one and refine bodily condition, speaking and thought from defilements, and Mahāsīla or supreme discipline or precepts referring to the best discipline which purifies all acts from unwholesomeness aiming to gain the benefits of recluse being. From analysis, it illustrates the situations, condition of the recluse’s way of life, roles, conducts and their earning living.