GUIDANCE IN BUDDHISM : AN ANALYSIS OF THE SUTTANTAPITAKA

Abstract

This research was a documentary research and the research was to analyze the guidance in Buddhism as appeared in Suttantapitaka which covered 17 volumes (V.9-25) totalizing 200 suttas. The data were recorded on the survey form and the analysis form after analyze.                                        

            The research findings revealed as follows :

1.  The purposes of guidance, there were to solve and prevent suffering problems, as well as to encourage and develop the persons to reach the ultimate goal of nivarana (the extinction of desire).


2. The principles of guidance, the Buddha gave the guidance whenever he had a right opportunity. He knew everyone‘s database, he realized the readiness and needs of humans and the differences of people. He told them to make a decision themselves and accept themselves truly. He wandered from place to place for guiding human and teaching people had kindness. He realized human’s prestige and value. He had clear plan and aim. He guided both young and old people without any human range. He gave guidance to all people without any status discrimination.


3. The related psychology theories of guidance, the recipiences of his guidance were in different suffering (problems) conditions and there were suffering conditions in all 8 theories groups : (1). Trait-Factor (2). Rational Emotive Therapy (3). Personal Centered Theory (4). Gestalt Therapy (5). Existentialism (6). Behavioral Counseling (7). Reality Therapy and (8). Transactional Analysis.


4. The methods of guidance, Techniques or the Buddha methods used contain making immaterial to be material such as raising instantiation, tales, past existence, bad or good things that they had done in the past and other events, comparing with metaphor, using instruments for teaching. Then he also punished and rewarded people for their bad or good behavior. He guided them the real things that happened at the time. He was good at answering people and he was flexible, the methods of Buddha in solving the emergency problem. He stimulated them by his words, using words to derive new meaning, stimulating with questions and answers. He created the atmosphere for guidance, conversation and discussion, answering the questions, narrative and small talks (conversation). Then the Buddha used both individual and group guidance. Then the Buddha had possessed the personality of a guidance manhood.


5. The services of guidance, there were all 3 kinds of guidance which consisted of educational, occupational, personal and social guidance as well as the guidance to lead them to the joyful place (heaven) and leading to the real usefulness for their life (nivarana or salvation).


6. The process of guidance, the Buddha started from the collecting individual information, providing information (dhamma principles) along with counseling before he join in personal placement and ended up with follow up of the facts after he had provided guidance to.