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Key word- 

Path to Worldly Well-being, Dasavatthuka Sammā Diṭṭhi, path has a limitation, Dāna (Generosity), Sīla Virtue, Bhāvanā (Meditation, The Noble Eightfold Path, Wisdom - Paññā

Buddhism is a profound and comprehensive teaching that addresses the deepest questions of life. It places before humanity two primary goals: living peacefully and happily here and now (ditthadhamma sukha vihara), and ultimately attaining complete liberation from suffering (Nibbana). For these two objectives, the Buddha taught two distinct paths. One is the path to experiencing worldly bliss (amisa sukha), and the other is the path to attaining Nibbana.

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The Path to Worldly Well-being: The Dasavatthuka Sammā Diṭṭhi

In ordinary lay life, raising a family and building a community, seeking happiness is not unfortunate. Buddhism is not opposed to it. According to the Dhamma, there is a course of action that leads to a happy life in this world and a fortunate rebirth in heavenly or Brahma realms (sugati) after death. This is known as the "Tenfold Path of Wholesome Action" or the mundane path of meritorious deeds.

The three primary components of this path are:

1.    Dāna (Generosity): Giving, helping others, the fundamental quality of a humane life grounded in virtue.

2.    Sīla (Virtue): Moral living. Observing precepts like the Five Precepts (Pañca Sīla) or the Eight Precepts (Atthangika Sīla).

3.    Bhāvanā (Meditation): Mental cultivation. Here, it refers primarily to Samatha Bhavana—meditations like Mettā (loving-kindness) and Buddhānussati (recollection of the Buddha) that calm the mind and are conducive to rebirth in higher realms.

This process yields "meritorious results" (puñña phala). The basic law of kamma states that wholesome actions lead to wholesome results. Therefore, through generosity, virtue, and meditation, one can attain human success, prosperity, and celestial pleasures.

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However, this path has a limitation. The Buddha referred to this as being like a bee gathering nectar from a flower without harming it. Yet, it is still within the cycle. The bliss obtained through these mundane meritorious deeds is temporary. When their kammic force is exhausted, the anticipated happiness also ends. As long as one follows only this path, one continues to wander in Samsara and is not entirely free from the fear of the four lower states of existence (Apāya). Even if it leads to rebirth in a higher human or divine world, it is not permanent.

The Path to the Cessation of Suffering: The Noble Eightfold Path

Superior to the path of worldly enjoyment, transcendent and leading directly to Nibbana, is the Noble Eightfold Path (Ariya Atthangika Magga). This is the core and unique gift of Buddhism. This path is not for acquiring mundane happiness but for the complete destruction of the taints and the end of suffering (Dukkha Nirodha).

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This path consists of eight factors grouped into three divisions:

1.    Wisdom (Paññā):

o    Right View (Sammā Diṭṭhi): Understanding the Four Noble Truths.

o    Right Intention (Sammā Saṅkappa): Cultivating intentions of renunciation, goodwill, and harmlessness.

2.    Ethical Conduct (Sīla):

o    Right Speech (Sammā Vācā)

o    Right Action (Sammā Kammanta)

o    Right Livelihood (Sammā Ājīva)

3.    Mental Discipline (Samādhi):

o    Right Effort (Sammā Vāyāma)

o    Right Mindfulness (Sammā Sati)

o    Right Concentration (Sammā Samādhi)

As one develops this path, the roots of greed (lobha), hatred (dosa), and delusion (moha) are gradually eradicated. Ultimately, all volitional formations—both meritorious and demeritorious (puñyābhisaṅkhāra, apuñyābhisaṅkhāra), and even the imperturbable ones—cease. This cuts off the craving (tanha) and clinging (upādāna) that lead to new becoming. This is Nibbana, the complete cessation of suffering. For this, material offerings (amisa puja) alone are insufficient.

The Practice of the Precepts is Superior to Material Offerings

The Buddha made it abundantly clear to all his disciples that the highest way to honor him is through Patipatti Puja—the "Honoring through Practice." This means sincerely practicing the path he taught: cultivating virtue, concentration, and wisdom.

"Vacca, whoever practices according to the Dhamma and the Discipline, it is they who truly honor me, who honor me supremely." (Based on Sutta references)

Offering flowers, incense, lights, and food is meritorious, but the offering that truly pleases and honors the Buddha is the practice of the Dhamma.

Conclusion: A Balanced Life with Both Paths

Buddhism is a practical philosophy. It does not ignore the needs of the lay householder's life. Therefore, an ordinary person can lead a happy, mundane life through dāna, sīla, and bhāvanā. This is not an unfortunate or despised activity.

However, if one contemplates the ultimate meaning of life and seeks complete release from suffering, then the superior path of the Noble Eightfold Path is essential. Both paths exist within Buddhism. The first path ensures a comfortable journey through Samsara. The second path brings the journey to its final end.

Sources:

·        Cūḷakammavibhaṅga Sutta (Majjhima Nikaya) - Elucidates kamma and its results.

·        Sigālōvāda Sutta (Digha Nikaya) - Lays out the code of discipline for lay followers.

·        Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta (Samyutta Nikaya) - Introduces the Noble Eightfold Path.

·        Puññābhisanda Sutta (Samyutta Nikaya) - Discusses the streams of merit and their limitations.