The Theravada Route to Reach Enlightenment

Abstract

This research article has three objectives 1.) to study the meaning of Buddhadhamma for the path to enlightenment of Theravada Buddhism. 2.) to study the process of the path to enlightenment of Theravada Buddhism. 3.) to analyze the steps of process of the path of enlightenment of Theravada Buddhism. This is qualitative research which using of document. The researcher analyzed data from primary and secondary sources then employed interpretive reasoning to draw conclusions through induction. The findings related to the first objective reveal that the meaning of enlightenment in Theravada Buddhism is achieved through liberation, leading to the attainment of one of the noble persons namely the Sotapanna, Sakadagami, Anagami, and Arahant. Enlightenment is described in the "Nibbana Sutta" as a state of the cessation of suffering. The results concerning the second objective indicate that the path to enlightenment in Theravada Buddhism follows a systematic, natural, and doctrinal approach. As for the third objective, the research found that the principles supporting the attainment of enlightenment are the 37 factors of enlightenment, which include the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, the Four Right Efforts, the Four Bases of Spiritual Power, the Five Spiritual Faculties, the Five Strengths, the Seven Factors of Enlightenment, and the Noble Eightfold Path. These principles mutually support each other, facilitating the process of gaining true insight. All these teachings are significant in promoting progress and supporting one another in the pursuit of enlightenment according to Theravada Buddhism.