The Concept of Man in The PathamakapฺPusangkhayapuenlokฺjātaka

Abstract

Abstract

The objective of this research is to study the concept of Man in The PathamakapฺPusangkhayapuenlokฺjātaka. This paper will cover four main topics : the creation of Man, the nature of Man, the highest goal of Man, and the way of life of Man.

From this research, it is understood that man is created from sweat and dirt from Pu Sangkasi and Ya Sangkaisai mixed with the four elements: clay, water, wind and fire. The spirit is the real element and essence of Man.

Nature of man consists of two aspects: body and mind. These two aspects work jointly and are inseparable. Furthermore, man is made from mind element and awareness of good and evil. This awareness of good and evil is what completes man’s perfection and distinguishes man from other beings.

From this structure, man has the potential to develop happiness in Lokiyasukha (the mundane world) and happiness in lokutฺtarasukha (the Supermundane world). The Lokutฺtarasukha (the pappiness in the supermundane world) is the highest aim of every Man. To reach this point, Man must collect merit by living according to Punฺnakiriyā – vatฺthu (bases of meritorious action) That is, man must live according to the three perfections: meritorious action in generosity, meritorious action in observing the precepts and moral behavior, and meritorious action in mental development. The accumulation of this merit will result in the true understanding of the rule of cause and effect. This understanding will cause the meritorious man to reach nirvana and leave this world of suffering.