The Culture of Happiness in Buddhism

Abstract

The academic article aims to study the culture of happiness in Buddhism by reviewing key texts, including the Tipitaka, scriptures, documents, and various research works. This study serves as a reflection to demonstrate that happiness, the ultimate goal of human life, is divided into two types: (1) Lokiya-sukha (worldly happiness) which refers to the general happiness that arises from the desire to obtain what one wants and (2) Lokuttara-sukha (transcendental happiness) which is an inner happiness that comes from practicing mindfulness and wisdom. There are three levels of happiness: (1) Kamasukha (sensual happiness) – happiness derived from sensual pleasure, (2) Jhana-sukha (happiness from meditative absorption) – happiness derived from the practice of meditation, and (3) Nibbana-sukha (happiness of Nirvana) – happiness derived from the attainment of Nirvana. There are four indicators of happiness: (1) measured by peace, using the standards of the Five Precepts (Pañca-sla) and the Five Virtues (Pañca-dhamma), (2) measured by harmony, using the standards of the principles of Saṅgaha-vatthu (the Six Harmonies), (3) measured by material sufficiency, according to the principle of Kihi-sukha (the happiness of laypeople), and (4) measured by factors that support the quality of life, using the Seven Factors of Well-being (Sappāya). Happiness can also be measured through the four aspects of practice: physical happiness, social happiness, mental happiness, and intellectual happiness. To cultivate a culture of happiness, one follows the practices of the ten meritorious actions (Bun-kiriya-vatthu) which include: giving alms, observing the precepts, developing meditation, humility, helping society, encouraging others to perform good deeds, accepting and rejoicing in others' good deeds, listening to the Dhamma, teaching the Dhamma, and avoiding stubbornness and striving for correct views.