Human Happiness in Buddhist Perspective: A Documentary Study

Abstract

This research article aimed to: (1) study the concepts of human happiness in Theravāda Buddhist scriptures; (2) analyze the types and levels of happiness according to Buddhist principles; and (3) synthesize guidelines for developing human happiness based on Buddhist teachings for application in daily life. The research employed a qualitative documentary research methodology. The conceptual framework was based on the teachings on happiness found in the Tipiṭaka and the works of Phra Brahmagunabhorn (P. A. Payutto). Primary sources consisted of the Thai Tipiṭaka published by Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, particularly the Aṅguttara Nikāya, including the Catukkanipāta and various sections of the Khuddaka Nikāya, especially the Dhammapada. Secondary sources included commentaries, textbooks, and related academic articles. Data were analyzed using content analysis and presented through descriptive narration. The findings revealed that:

1. In Buddhism, happiness refers to a state of mental fulfillment, peace, and freedom from suffering. Buddhism views happiness as something that can be cultivated and developed through various levels, ranging from pleasure derived from external material objects to the higher happiness arising from inner peace and liberation. 2. Happiness can be classified into two major categories: sāmisa-sukha (material or sensual happiness) and nirāmisa-sukha (non-material or spiritual happiness). For householders, there are four kinds of happiness (gihisukha): atthi-sukha (the happiness of possessing wealth), bhoga-sukha (the happiness of enjoying wealth), anaṇa-sukha (the happiness of being free from debt), and anavajja-sukha (the happiness of blameless conduct). Higher and more refined forms of happiness include the happiness derived from meditative absorption (jhāna-sukha) and Nibbāna-sukha, which is regarded as the supreme happiness in Buddhism. 3.The development of happiness according to Buddhist principles involves practicing the Threefold Training (Tisikkhā), namely morality (sīla), concentration (samādhi), and wisdom (paññā), together with cultivating the inner capacity to experience happiness independently of external material conditions.

The body of knowledge gained from this research indicates that the Buddhist concept of happiness is holistic, hierarchical in nature from coarse to subtle levels, and achievable through self-cultivation and training. These findings can be applied to daily living, quality-of-life development, and the field of Buddhist psychology for promoting human well-being in contemporary society.