ABSTRACT

            This thesis is a documentary research aiming to study the  noble  eightfold path for enlightenment  in  Theravada  Buddhism, to follow the  noble  eightfold path for enlightenment  in  Buddhism, and to achieve the enlightenment in Theravada  Buddhism. The results were as follows:

            The  noble  eightfold path with Dhamma principle reflecting visions, wisdom, and a middle way resulting in peace and Nibbana consists of eight valuable factors: (1) right view, (2) right thought, (3)  right speech, (4) right action, (5) right livelihood, (6) right effort, (7) right mindfullness, and (8) right concentration. The noble eightfold path according to Buddhism refers to three studies: precepts, meditation, and wisdom. Those who follow the noble eightfold path completely lead to the knowledge of truth resulting in getting rid of ignorance. Wisdom (knowledge) is considered as the light shining a waling path for release both at the present time and in the future. The word “wisdom” can be also replaced by the word “ perception, intelligence, mindfulness meditation, and right vision.

            Following the noble eightfold path in Theravada  Buddhism can be briefly summarized in eight factors. The first factor is following a rule of Sammadithi (right view) by applying the wisdom for thinking that we are in the process of birth, age, sickness, and death,   do good get good, and do bad get bad. The second factor is following a rule of Sammasankappa( right thought) such as the right thought to leave the Kamma (sexual desire). The third factor is Sammavaca (right speech) showing a willing to be free from lie and instigation. The fourth factor is Sammakammanta (right action) which refers to abstaining from killing and encroachment. The fifth factor is Samma-ajiva (right livelihood) which refers to an honest occupation freeing from delusion and cheat. The sixth factor is Samm-vayama (right effort) which refers to trying to prevent the sin to happen in our mind, trying to get rid of sin in our mind, trying to increase virtue Dhamma, and trying to keep the happened virtue.  The seventh factor is Sammasati (right mindfulness) which refers to a consideration of body, suffering, soul and Dhamma for getting rid of greed, and depression. The eight factor is Sammasamadhi( right concentration) refers to following 40 types of Kummathan by focusing only on one thing. In order to focus only one thing or one feeling, one material or one feeling should be applied.

            There are four types of enlightenment in Buddhism: Sotapanna (stream-Enterer), Sakadagami (once- returner), Anagami (non-returner) and Arahanta (the worthy one). Sotapanna (stream-Enterer) is the first holy person who can touch the stream of Nibbana and get rid of three bondages :(1) Sakkyadithi, false view of individuality, (2) Vicikiccha, uncertainty in Buddha, and (3) Silabbataparamasa, adherence to rules and rituals. Sakadagami (once- returner) is a person who can get rid of three bondages like Sotapanna, and decrease the desire, anger, and ignorance.

Anagami (non-returner) can get rid of five lower bondages such as  Sakkyadithi, Vicikiccha, Silabbataparamasa, sexual desire, and Patigha (repulsion).

            Arahanta (the worthy one) can get rid of ten bondages no matter they are high or delicate bondages such as Nivarana (hindrance) and bondages. Thus, those who want to have a happy life should apply the  noble  eightfold path to their daily life. It is also a principle for country administration leading to the development of people in the society. It can be concluded that Buddhism Dhamma principles are very vital for creating peace because they do not focus on violence. In contrast, they focus on peace to the doers, in the family, and the society as a whole.

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