Analysis of the Concept of Secular Muni

Abstract

This academic article aimed to present the concept of enlightenment of lay people or Gharavasa Muni in Buddhism. It was found that Buddhism was a religion that was open to all people to study, learn and practice. There were 4 levels of enlightenment from the basic level to the higher levels, namely the Sotapanna level, Sakadagami level, Anagami level, and Arahanta level. Those who can reach these four levels of Dharma were not limited to monks only. Lay people can also attain the highest Dharma in Buddhism, such as Phra Chao Suddhodana, Nang Visakha, Phra Chao Bimbisara, etc.. With the ability of lay people to attain Dharma as well as monks, therefore, those who were not ready to become ordained can choose to practice Dharma in a secular state called Gharavasa Muni or Agara Muni that referred to one who had the path to knowledge in the form of laymanship but behaved like a monk with 3 practice guidelines, namely 1) firmly belief in the Triple Gems; 2) chastity not related to your desires; and 3) behaving seriously and without compromise.