Abstract:
The objective of this research is 1) to study the Middle Path in Theravada Buddhist philosophy, 2) to study of ethics in Theravada Buddhist philosophy, and 3) to analytical study of ethics in the Middle Path of Theravada Buddhist philosophy. This research is used documentary process and presents in descriptive method.
The researchs results found that;
The Middle Path in Theravada Buddhist philosophy was the middle way. It was very important for living. It was called the middle way to practice for extinguish the root of suffering with wisdom, meaning to live a good life to determine the suffering and problems of suffering or to show way to determine the suffering. Following the Middle Path made knowing (Chakkhu) and wisdom (ñāṇa), there would lead to peace, knowledge, enlightenment, and Nibbāna.
Ethics in Theravada Buddhist philosophy referred to science of human behavior. It recognized what should be done and what should not be done and what should be practiced and what should be not practiced. Its aim was to reach the supreme good. There were 3 levels in Buddhist ethics: 1) basic ethics meant five precept, 2) middle ethics meant 10 wholesome course of actions (kusala-kammapatha), and 3) the highest ethics meant the Noble Eightfold Path (Aṭṭhangika-maggā). Buddhist ethics was the practice way for Nibbāna.
An Analysis of ethics in the Middle Path of Theravada Buddhist philosophy showed that the Middle Path was main principle for leaving evil and do goodness for attaining the highest goal, Nibbana. The Middle Path can divided into 2 types; 1) the middle Dhamma of practice called Majjhena-Dhamma-desanā and 2) the middle way of practice called Majjhimā-patipadā. Those were the way to eradicate suffering and entering Nibbana.