SELF-DEVELOPMENT APPROACH: A BUDDHIST PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

This article aims to present a guideline for self-development according to the principles of Buddhism, with important tools to help create progress and solve the country’s problems, because the country’s problems arise from oneself. Therefore, solving any problem must start from oneself as the most important factor. The case example of the Lord Buddha is a model for self-development until he became a model teacher for humans and gods in proving the truth in studying and searching for the truth. Self-development must increase competence, thoughts, actions, abilities, knowledge, expertise, and create a good attitude through training. For this reason, the self-development that the Lord Buddha used the principles of establishing rules and regulations called the Dhamma-Vinaya to be appropriate for each person’s status, such as monks having 227 precepts, nuns having 331 precepts, novices having 10 precepts, and laymen having 5 precepts, is the foundation for self-development to be happy by integrating the principles of the 7 Sappurisa-dhamma (qualities of a good man): Dhammaññut , knowing the cause; Atthaññut , knowing the result; Attaññut , knowing oneself; Mattaññut , knowing the limit; K laññut , knowing the time; Parisaññut , knowing the company; and Pukkalaññut , knowing people. In living together in society with mutual support, society and the country will be peaceful throughout.