Psychological teaching of Buddhism in the Mettta Sutta: An analytical study

Abstract

This study was based on the Karaniya Mettta Sutta of Sutta Nipatha. To analyse the facts in the Sutta, other texts included in Thripitaka were referred to. Prominence was given to the Pali Thripitaka. Secondly, texts such as Vishuddhimargaya, Abhidhammattasangaha were used. The study consists of 5 chapters followed by a conclusion. The first chapter explains the categories of philosophy along with the philosophers. The basic features of philosophy are explained, followed by a description of the nature of Eastern and Western philosophy. Western philosophy was divided into 4 stages such as Greek, Medieval, Modern and Contemporary. Further, a description of philosophers from Teles and the school of thought was provided. Eastern philosophy was divided into 2 as Vedic and Non-vedic philospphy. The teaching which falls under philosophy such as Brahmin, Aranyaka, Upanishad and Sad-darshana, and Non-vedic philosophy such as Jaina, Chavaka and Buddhist teaching are also discussed. In the second chapter, a description on modern philosophy was given in relation to Buddhism. Major attention was focused on perspectives, and the nature of all the teaching in the 62 perspectives in Buddhist studies. Moreover, their different divisions are explained using Buddhist teaching. The chapter ends with an analysis of Sakkaya Drushti, which is the base of all perspectives. The third chapter is allocated for the description of Buddhist Philosophy. How the vision (darshanaya) is gained, the relationship of Darshanaya and Samma ditti, different categories of Samma ditti, the attainment of ‘Sovan’ status, the need for real vision, the facts that are needed for real vision in Buddhism, the benefits of vision, the characteristics of the one who improves vision and what should be done to achieve vision, are discussed in this chapter. The 4th chapter discusses the Metta Sutta, the 15 qualities that belong to ‘Seelaya’ mentioned in the first part of the sutta, then ‘Samadi’ and Maithree meditation. The attaining of spiritual enlightenment is thus discussed with Seela, Samadi and Pragngna. The fifth chapter describes how a spiritually enlightened person looks at the world, his nature and how he leaves behind his unwholesome qualities.