BHANTE DEEP RATAN. An Analytical Study of The Concept of Merit (Puñña) in Theravāda Buddhism. ปริญญาโท(สาขาวิชาพระพุทธศาสนา). มหาวิทยาลัยมหาจุฬาลงกรณราชวิทยาลัย. ส่วนหอสมุดกลาง. : มหาวิทยาลัยมหาจุฬาลงกรณราชวิทยาลัย, 2566.
An Analytical Study of The Concept of Merit (Puñña) in Theravāda Buddhism
Abstract:
This qualitative research consists of three objectives, namely: -1) to study the concept of merit (puñña) in Theravāda Buddhism, 2) to study the virtues of merit in Theravāda Buddhism, and 3) to analytical study of the concept of merit (puñña) in Theravāda Buddhism. The research methodology is a qualitative, textual, and documentary research approach.
The findings show the merit refers to the karmically wholesome deed which has four streams of merit (puñña-dhārā), by offering the four requisites to a renunciate, one who has attained the condition less freedom of mind. The meritorious deeds and virtues which are to be performed and perpetuated for having a sustainable prosperous life here and hereafter. The merit as a fundamental foundation for a significant correlation between present-life Kamma and future dhamma realization. Having done meritorious deeds to have a good karmic resource for future innate qualities such as intelligence, disposition, and a healthy body that can help develop oneself in strengthening good qualities and bringing welfare, happiness, and finally realization of the ultimate peace.
The study revealed that most individuals worldwide, including Buddhists and non-Buddhists, understood Buddhist beliefs on merits and virtues. Buddhist teachings were seen as a guide for living with morality and well-being, making it crucial to study and comprehend Buddhist philosophy. Buddhism is flawless in theory, practice, and noble truth realization, and understanding these concepts can lead to straighter lives, better behavior, and society's progress. The Buddha's teachings aimed to enlighten all living creatures, regardless of race or nation. Those who followed the Buddha's Dhamma or practiced Buddhist principles experienced supreme satisfaction and harmony in life. However, the true essence of Buddhism requires study and practice.
The Buddha discovered that learning and practicing Buddhist ethics was the precious secret to realising truth, at seven levels: basic The Five Precepts and Eight Precepts, The Ten Bases of Wholesome Actions (puññakiriyā-vatthu), Ten Wholesome Ways of Action (kusaladhamma), The Noble Eightfold Path, The virtue of holding to wholesome deeds (kuśalasaṅgrāha-śīla), The virtue of seeking the welfare of beings (sattvārthakriyā-śīla), the meritorious virtue (sambhāra-śīla), The purpose of studying these level-views was to get a critical understanding of what was good and wrong, what should be done and what should not be done, and especially to recognise the appropriate route leading to the end of all suffering, which is the highest aim of life in Buddhism. Because Buddhism had a significant impact on their lives-particularly in terms of resolving issues related to daily living, fostering spiritual power, easing mental issues, granting access to a variety of knowledge and moral codes of conduct, and offering a place of liberation-they supported and upheld Therävada Buddhism with a good heart.