An analytical Study of Sammavayama in Buddhist Scriptures

Abstract

The research study has two objectives: 1) to explore the concept of Sammavayama within the Buddhist scriptures, and 2) to analyze the application of Sammavayama for personal development.
The research findings indicate that Sammavayama, an ethical principle in the Noble Eightfold Path, signifies a commitment or endeavor towards moral rectitude. It involves: 1) the effort to prevent unwholesome states of mind from arising, 2) the effort to let go of existing unwholesome states of mind, 3) the effort to cultivate wholesome states of mind that have not yet arisen, and 4) the effort to sustain wholesome states of mind that have arisen. Sammavayama aligns with the teachings of Buddhism and comprises three objectives: benefits in the present life, benefits in future lives, and benefits for spiritual progress. Regarding the application of Sammavayama for personal development, it can be categorized into four dimensions: 1) educational dimension, which emphasizes consistent learning and teaching of precepts and practices with the goal of self-discipline, 2) occupational dimension, which promotes diligence, conscientiousness, and non-deception in work while nurturing ethical attitudes, 3) self-development dimension, which involves physical and mental growth following the principles of discipline, and 4) ethical dimension, which utilizes Sammavayama to suppress unwholesomeness and instigate virtue through the practice of abstaining from desires, divided into two categories: 1) Salehka, gradual suppression of desires, and 2) Tuttangkha, forceful suppression with immediate effects.