BODHIPAKKHIYĀ - DHAMMA: A BUDDHIST SYSTEM OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The academic article Bodhipakkhiyā-dhamma: A Buddhist System of Human Development aims to study and analyze the Thirty-seven Factors of Enlightenment (Bodhipakkhiyā-dhamma) as a system of human development in accordance with Theravāda Buddhism. The study focuses on explaining the structure, roles, and functional processes of these principles from a holistic perspective, in order to demonstrate that the Bodhipakkhiyā-dhamma is not merely a set of doctrines for meditative practice, but rather a comprehensive conceptual and practical framework that systematically encompasses the development of human behavior, mind, and wisdom. This study is a documentary research based primarily on the Pāli Canon and its commentaries as published by Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, and with data analyzed through a Buddhist conceptual framework. The results indicate that that the Thirty - seven Factors of Enlightenment possess a systematic structure with orderly and interrelated connections. Each group of principles performs specific functions while complementing one another. The process begins with the Four Foundations of Mindfulness (Satipaṭṭhāna) which serve as the foundation of awareness and heedfulness, followed by; the Four Right Efforts (Sammappadhāna) and the Four Bases of Spiritual Power (Iddhipāda) which function as mechanisms of diligence and motivational forces leading to success. The Five Spiritual Faculties (Indriya) and the Five Powers (Bala) regulate and strengthen the mind; the Seven Factors of Enlightenment (Bojjhaṅga) constitute the elements of awakening; and the Noble Eightfold Path (Aṭṭhaṅgika Magga) provides the integrative framework that unifies the processes of daily living and spiritual practice. The analysis reflects that the this approach can be practically applied in both tranquility (samatha) and insight (vipassanā) meditation, in the daily lives of lay practitioners and monastics, as well as in the attainment of Ariya - puggala (Noble Individuals) . Therefore, the this principle may be regarded as a complete Buddhist system of human development, offering both theoretical coherence and practical value. Moreover, this process is also consistent with the enhancement of human quality of life in contemporary society