The Development of Well-being According to Theravada Buddhist Philosophy

Abstract

This academic article aims to analyze the development of well-being according to Buddhist principles. The analysis reveals that "Buddhist well-being" refers to the happiness that arises from not harming oneself and others. Furthermore, it signifies the happiness derived from sharing and supporting others and all beings with kindness. Beyond this, it involves the happiness that comes from the realization of reality, which arises from making the mind empty—empty of fear, desire, and thoughts. It involves seeing reality and genuinely perceiving the surroundings. To genuinely perceive the surroundings, it is essential to cultivate well-being through proper meditation. This means not merely focusing on deep concentration (jhana), but expanding awareness based on that tranquility to encompass everything around. It involves being aware of one's breath, the sounds around, the temperature, and the wind touching the body. One must distinguish between fabricated thoughts, the ego that clings to those thoughts, and the awareness that perceives those thoughts. This includes recognizing the ego that assumes the thoughts as part of oneself. Such discernment relies on continuous meditation, mindfulness, wisdom, and persistent effort until one can understand and accept natural reality. The mind then releases itself from suffering caused by craving and attachment. Well-being thus arises from the cessation of suffering, leading to clarity, lightness, and the release of attachment