Abstract:
1'1111 thesis examines the psychological dimensions reflected in the biographies of the Pali
Canon with the goal of presenting significant psychological concepts and approaches
11,atured in the biographies. Methodology included analysis, interpretation and
olassification of the selected thirty-four biographies ofbhikkhus, bhikkhunis, laymen and
laywomen, in detail, to understand the prominent psychological aspects and behavior
patterns of the human personality. Behaviour of a person vary with his personality type,
causes and conditions and motivational factors. Craving (la,:ihii) is the main cause to
stimulate unwholesome behavior of a person. Asava emphasizes the arising of emotions
with sense stimulation and developing with sense perception. Papahca is the absorption
of sense experiences and conceptualization of new ideas with the dispositions already in
the mind. Latent tendencies (anusaya), with the assistance of motivational factors, recur
strong behaviour patterns, sometimes harming self, society or both. In this context, latent
tendencies, environmental factors and relationships have a significant influence over the
behaviour patterns. Analysis of the selected biographies highlighted the impermanent
nature of the temperaments and the capability of human mind to transform from one
personality to another. The four main categories of personalities identified are: (i) one
strong wholesome or unwholesome personality during the lifetime; (ii) complete behavior
and/or psychological transformation from unwholesome to wholesome personality; (iii)
complete behavior and/or psychological transformation from unwholesome to
unwholesome personality and; (iv) personalities with mixed temperaments depending on
the situation and prominent within a given period. Unwholesome personality changes
occur with a person having unwholesome behavior or mental status, changing into another
unwholesome personality. Transformation from unwholesome behaviour to wholesome
behaviour were noticeable in some personalitiess and complete wholesome personality
transformations were evident from the biographies of arahants.
