Application of Sammāvāyāma to Develop Quality of Life in Today-Society according to the Teaching of Buddhism

Abstract

This article aims to study “Application of Sammāvāyāma to Develop Quality of Life in Today-Society according to the Teaching of Buddhism.’ The result showed that Sammāvāyāma is one among of the Noble Eightfold Path, signifying a commitment or endeavor towards moral rectitude. It involves: 1) the effort to prevent unwholesome mind from arising, 2) the effort to abandon of existing unwholesome mind, 3) the effort to cultivate wholesome mind that have not yet arisen, and 4) the effort to sustain wholesome mind that have arisen. Sammāvāyāma aligns with the teachings of Buddhism and comprises 3 objectives: benefits in the present life, in future lives, and benefits for spiritual progress. Regarding the application of Sammāvāyāma for personal development, it can be categorized into 4 dimensions: 1) Educational dimension which emphasizes consistent learning and teaching of precepts and practices with the goal of self-discipline, 2) Occupational dimension which promotes diligence, conscientiousness, and non-deception in work while maintaining ethical attitudes, 3) Self-development dimension involving physical and mental growth following the principles of discipline, and 4) Ethical dimension fostering Sammāvāyāma to suppress unwholesomeness and instigate virtue through the practice of abstaining from desires, divided into 2 categories: 1) Sallekha or gradual suppression of desires, and 2) Tuttāṅgha or forceful suppression with immediate effects.