The An Analytical Study of Four Developments According to Theravada Buddhist Philosophy

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze Four Developments according to Theravada Buddhist Philosophy. This study was the qualitative research by searching and compiling some information from Suttantapitaka and other documents and research studies relating to Four Developments. The results indicated that Four Developments according to Theravada Buddhist Philosophy was the holistic development of the quality of life, covering both causes and results. For causes, Four Developments was a path of ending the suffering, and of improving the quality of life in 4 parts; namely, 1) physical development, e.g., development of physical behavior and environment to have the balanced well-being; 2) moral development, e.g., development of physical and mental behavior to enhance the peaceful society; 3) emotional development, e.g., mental development to have the secure well-being and the power to improve the quality of life; and 4) wisdom development, e.g., wisdom development to understand the world and life as they are, and to distinguish and assess various matters, and solve any problems occurred. For the results, Bhavita 1 emerged after achieving the development completely, so such persons became “Bhavita” or developed persons. Bhaviata may be divided into 4 parts: 1) Kaya Bhavita or physical development; 2) Sila Bhavita or precept development; 3) Citta Bhavana or mental development; and 4) Panna Bhavita or wisdom development.