Buddhist Guidelines for Happy Living in Buddhist Context

แนวทางการดำเนินชีวิตสู่ความสุขตามหลักพระพุทธศาสตร์ในบริบทชาวพุทธ

Abstract

This documentary research article aims to: (1) examine Buddhist doctrinal principles related to ways of living toward happiness, (2) analyze approaches to achieving happiness based on Buddhist principles within the context of Buddhist practitioners, and (3) synthesize a model of living that leads to true happiness in Buddhism. The study employs a documentary research methodology, using key Buddhist concepts of happiness as the analytical framework, including kalyāṇamitta (spiritual friendship), the Maṅgala Sutta, diṭṭhadhammikattha benefits (worldly welfare), and the four bhāvanā (mental development). The primary data sources consist of the Tipiṭaka (Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University edition), commentaries, canonical texts, and related academic works. Data were analyzed through content analysis and presented using descriptive methods.

The findings reveal that: (1) Buddhist teachings concerning the path to happiness are comprehensive and systematic, emphasizing a balanced development of life grounded in mindfulness, wisdom, morality, and compassion. These teachings can be categorized into three domains: social relationships, self-development, and everyday well-being. (2) The approaches to living happily according to Buddhist principles consist of four key aspects: association with good friends (kalyāṇamitta), wise selection of environment and companions, awareness of the law of kamma as self-determining, and the practice of Dhamma for harmonious coexistence in society. These four aspects are interrelated and mutually reinforcing. (3) The model of living that leads to true happiness can be synthesized as a “wholesome life,” comprising three interconnected levels: the individual, the social, and the mental. This model corresponds to the Threefold Training (sīla, samādhi, and paññā), which represents a continuous process of holistic human development. The knowledge derived from this study can be applied to enhance the quality of life of Buddhists in daily living. It also provides practical implications for Buddhist institutions, such as temples, schools, and communities, in designing activities or programs grounded in Buddhist principles to promote sustainable well-being in contemporary Thai society.