AN An Analytical Study of the Principles of Human Rights in the Aggañña Sutta

Abstract

This research article outlines three primary objectives: 1) to study the structure and essential content of the Mahaparinibbana Sutta, 2) to examine the role of Ven. Ananda in the Mahaparinibbana Sutta, and 3) to analyze the role of Ven. Ananda in the Mahaparinibbana Sutta. This study employs a qualitative research methodology, investigate data from the Tipitaka, Commentaries, and relevant academic literature, in order to analyze the role of Ven. Ananda in the Mahaparinibbana Sutta.The research findings reveal that

               1) The Aggañña Sutta, located in Volume 11 of the Tipitaka, Suttanta Pitaka, Digha Nikaya, Patikavagga, is an essential discourse that demonstrates the origin of the world, humanity, and social evolution, with core contents that critique the caste system and indicate that human excellence does not depend on birth right but on their practices according to the Dhamma.

               2) Regarding the human rights principles appearing in the Aggañña Sutta, it is found that the discourse reflects principles of equality, human dignity, and justice, emphasizing that all humans possess equal inherent value and have an equal capacity to develop themselves toward righteousness. Furthermore, the principles of Theravada Buddhism promote human rights through physical, verbal, and mental cultivation across basic, intermediate, and ultimate levels

               3) From the analysis of human rights principles in the Aggañña Sutta, it is found that they align with universal human rights concepts regarding equality and non-discrimination, yet possess a deeper ethical dimension by focusing on human development from within and resolving problems at the root cause, which is the human mind, leading to peace at both individual and social levels.

Keywords: Aggañña Sutta; Human Rights Principles; Maha Sammata; Social Contract Roles.roles.