Abstract

                 This thesis has three objectives: to study the Significance of Kusalakammapatha (Path of Wholesomeness) in the Theravāda Buddhist Scriptures, to study how the quality of life can be developed according to the Theravāda Buddhist Scriptures and to study the importance of Kusalakammapatha in supporting the development of the quality of life. Clarified and analyzed data are taken from the Theravāda Buddhist scriptures namely, the Tipitaka, Buddhist commentaries, Tīga, and other related scriptures then composed, explained in details, corrected and verified by Buddhist scholars.

                 The study found that Kusalakammapatha refers to wholesome course of action or the path to wholesomeness. These wholesomeness, which lead to happiness and development, consist of 10 practices, namely: the 3 bodily actions: abstention from killing, abstention from taking what is not given and abstention from sexual misconduct, the 4 speech actions: abstention from false speech, abstention from tale-bearing, abstention from harsh speech and abstention from vain talk or gossip, and, the 3 mental actions: non-covetousness, non-ill-will and having right view.

                 The study found that life goes according to the Three Characteristics rules. Thus, when life starts, it will end according to the natural rules. However, development is to train oneself to the full range of ability because one would have a good life when one has the good ability. Mankind can be developed until he gains the knowledge to understand and can perform things. This can be done simultaneously in 4 ways, namely: to develop bodily, to develop morality, to develop mentality and to develop wisdom. These developments can be beneficial to both oneself and the society because it will change, restore and improve things. The developments in this perspective consider mankind as human beings who have their life’s goals of happiness, freedom and virtues.

                 The 10 Kusalakammapatha is important because it acts as the base for development, for both oneself and the surrounding society. And because Kusalakammapatha is the development process it is necessary that it has to be developed simultaneously in 3 ways, namely the body, speech and mental. In conclusion, usage of the 10 Kusalakammapatha is the duty that human beings should interact.

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