Analyzing the Ethical Principles that Appear in the Cũlasetthi Jataka

Abstract

             This research aims to 1) study the origins of the Cullasetthijataka, 2) study ethical principles, and 3) analyze the ethical principles that appear in the Cullasetthijataka, using documentary research methodology.
             The research results found that:
             1. The Cullasetthijataka is a story from the past lives of the Buddha and Venerable Cullathapanthaka. Although the name of the Jataka comes from the Bodhisattva, the important role in advancing the story belongs to Cullantavasika (the past life of Cullathapanthaka), as this Jataka was spoken to reference Cullathapanthaka in his present life. The content is identical across the Khuddaka Nikaya, the Jataka, and the Dhammapada.
             2. Ethics is the pursuit of the highest good in human life and serves as guidelines for judging conduct, such as right-wrong and good-bad. There are three important theoretical approaches: Utilitarianism, which emphasizes the consequences of actions; Kant's deontological ethics, which emphasizes duty rather than outcomes; and relativistic ethics, which considers moral values according to context.
            3. The analysis of ethical principles in the Cullasetthijataka reveals values at both individual and social levels, showing ways of life that lead to achieving goals and the highest good. It reflects ethical principles that emphasize diligence, gratitude, and the use of wisdom in leading a moral life.