Human Nature and Potential Development in Theravāda Buddhist Philosophy

Abstract

This academic article aims to study and analyze human nature and potential development according to Theravāda Buddhist philosophy. It argues that humans are merely one type of animal among many and are categorized as real entities endowed with a spirit or mind, referred to as "living beings" in Buddhism. The concept of "life" is linked to the presence of "consciousness" (or viññāṇa), not merely growth or reproduction. What is called a living being must possess consciousness as a component; it is something that can create karma and receive its results. The duty of humanity is not just to learn for oneself, but also to support fellow human beings in accessing the learning process to perceive nature and truth as they truly are. The ultimate goal is to create a society grounded in understanding and peace through the utilization of the intellectual potential inherent in each individual. This developmental approach is a system aimed at improving human lifestyles in all dimensions, both personal and societal. It is not limited to instincts for coexistence (social animals), or merely the pursuit and exercise of political power (political animals), nor solely the pursuit of economic gain (economic animals). Instead, Buddhist philosophy views humans as "veneyyasatta" – beings with a special potential ready to be guided correctly towards happiness, encompassing both personal and collective benefit, and ultimately, the cessation of suffering. This is the essence of self-reliance in Theravāda Buddhism, aligning with the Buddha's saying "attā hi attano nātho" (The self is the master of the self). However, this "self" must be trained; it is not a permanent self, and no one can do it for us, even the ultimate goal in Theravada Buddhist philosophy, "nirvana."