A Comparative Study of the Nature of Attachment In Theravada Buddhsit Philosophy and Caravaka Philosophy

Abstract

This thesis entitled ‘A Comparative Study of the Nature of Attachment in Theravada Buddhist Philosophy and Caravaka Philosophy’ has three objectives: 1) to study the concept of the nature of Attachment in Theravada Buddhist Philosophy, 2) to study the concept of the nature of attachment in Caravaka Philosophy, and 3) to compare the concept of the nature of attachment in Theravada Buddhist philosophy and Caravaka Philosophy. This is a documentary research.

        In the research, it was found that:

        1) According to Theravada Buddhist philosophy, attachment basically means three kinds of desire: 1) craving for sensual pleasure, 2) craving for existence, and 3) craving for non-existence.

        2) In Caravaka philosophy, attachment basically refers to three kinds of craving for happiness: 1) it means basic craving; this is regarded as the basic level where one wants to live life, such as four requisites, 2) it means the middle level of craving; one is motivated to search for certain happiness and comfortability, and 3) it refers to defilement; one becomes indulgent in whatever one really wants where unlimited desire is highly accelerated.

          3) In the comparison the concept of the nature of attachment in Theravada Buddhist philosophy and Caravaka philosophy, it clearly showed that in Buddhist philosophy, such attachment is unwholesome by which the root of suffering is caused; man suffers because of desire. Therefore, Buddhist philosophy suggests man to uproot the attachment whereby three kinds of happiness, 1) the present happiness in this world, 2) the happiness in the next world, heaven, and 3) the happiness in the extinction of suffering where rebirth in the circle of life is not caused, can be obtained. As regards Caravaka philosophy, the mentioned attachment is not the evil, but the thing being conducive to happiness; such attachment arises at the time of rebirth and ceases to exist at the time of death, then one who is wise should make use of the attachment for his/her benefit in the following ways: 1) it motivates man to survive, 2) it gives happiness to man, delicious recipe, air condition, for instance, 3) it gives rise to new technological advancement and convenience, such as car production, mobile for communication. Therefore, one who is wise should know how to benefit through attachment where a hefty of happiness and convenience could be produced, 4) it leads to protection, such as medicine to preventing diseases. All are more and more done for the sake of human being’s happiness and thereby reducing suffering.