The Source of Knowledge in Theravāda Buddhist Philosophy

Abstract

The objectives of the research aims (1) to study the theory of knowledge in Theravāda Buddhist Philosophy, (2) to study the source of knowledge in Theravāda Buddhist Philosophy and (3) to find out the practical guidelines based on source of knowledge in Theravāda Buddhist Philosophy. This is documentary research. The data was collecting from relevant sources: primary, secondary and related document. The collected data were analysis in favour of descriptive analysis based on inductive method.

                     Theory of knowledge in Theravāda Buddhist Philosophy was basic knowledge of concepts, ideas or "universals. It focuses on the study of Epistemology in East. All sources of knowledge can be concluded into the parts. The concept of west and Theravāda Buddhist Philosophy, the knowledge is divided into three level—perception, inference and intuition which can be compared to Suta-mayā-paññā, Cintā-mayā-paññā and Bhāvanā-mayā-paññā. The source of knowledge in Theravāda Buddhist Philosophy was 1) the knowledge based on listening or learning (SMP), 2) The knowledge based on thinking (CMP) and 3) the knowledge based on mental development (BMP). Some practical guidelines based on source of knowledge in Theravāda Buddhist Philosophy was the knowledge obtained from listening to others 1) listening by delivering knowledge, listening well with respect and 2) listening by using six-sense-bases: listening and sound is related to consciousness and can create the wisdom by the depended system of six internal-external pairs of sense bases with reasoned attention (yonisomanasikara). The knowledge obtained from one's own thinking: 1) thinking is intellectual, analytical understanding and wisdom should be cultivated 2) thinking is cultivates must be the thinking in good or positives ways as in the three of eightfold path and 3) thinking as three characteristics. The knowledge obtained by meditation that comes from the direct experience of the truth: 1) control of the mind and do metal development, 2) evolution of the mind: doing concentration and 3) mind consciousness: doing insight meditation. Source of knowledge are the sources of learning, practice in daily life to solve the problem of living, covert to the wise man to live happy in present, next life and finally reach the higher goal of human being.  It is also the practical and alive ways of cultivating of knowledge for using to change to be correct goal of life.