Perfection of Wisdom in Theravada Buddhist Philosophy

Abstract

          This article aims to analytically study the Perfection of Wisdom in Theravada Buddhist philosophy. The study found that : 1) In the context of the Noble Eightfold Path, the Perfection of Wisdom emphasizes a balanced way of life, avoiding extremes in both worldly and spiritual matters, representing a middle path that leads to the cessation of suffering. 2) In the context of the Fourfold Development, the Perfection of Wisdom focuses on practical wisdom within ethics, involving repeated practice until it becomes a habitual quality or virtue ingrained in body, social interactions, emotions, and intellect, with the cessation of suffering as the ultimate goal. 3) In the context of the Five Powers, the Perfection of Wisdom emphasizes the power of inner understanding that creates inner stability, filling the gaps caused by the influence of defilements. This power of wisdom clears away darkness and sorrow, awakens one from delusion, and brings insight into the truth, leading to a joyful state that guides one toward the end of suffering. The development of oneself was aimed at achieving a good quality of life, with confidence in accordance with nature, perseverance, mindfulness, determination, and wisdom in solving problems and continuously improving oneself.