SOLVING STRESS PROBLEMS WITH DHARMA PRINCIPLES IN THERAVADA BUDDHIST PHILOSOPHY

Abstract

The objectives of this academic paper were 1) to study the source of stress in Theravada Buddhist philosophy, 2) to study the nature of stress in Theravada Buddhist philosophy and 3) to study the dharma principles in Theravada Buddhist philosophy to use in solving stress problems. The results showed that stress in Buddhist philosophy was classified as a mental illness. It was suffering from the heart because the mind was based on unwholesome data, namely lobha, dosa, and moha. Stress in Buddhist philosophy was characterized by frustration, unease, anxiety. Solving stress problems according to Buddhist philosophy must only be solved in the mind to be healed. Dharma principles that can solve stress problems were as follows : The establishment of Yonisomanasikara was knowledge of thorough consideration, Understanding the 4 Noble Truths, Praising Maha Satipatthana 4. Such principles were the way to solve stress problems directly. Resolving stress through binge drinking or other vices was not a solution to stress problems. Instead, It was the cause of all suffering that will result in suffering for oneself and others as well.