Human Birth: A View of Suffering in the Theravada Buddhist Worldview for the Development of a Peaceful Life

Abstract

This academic article aims to analyze the value and the truth of human birth within the philosophical paradox between the views that "existence is suffering" and "human birth is rare" according to Theravada Buddhist philosophy. The findings indicate that the positive dimension of suffering is not viewed through pessimism but realistically as a driving force through the process of generating Saṃvega (existential urgency), which is considered a wholesome dimension in its capacity as gnosis recognizing the perils of cyclic existence. Consequently, obtaining a human state is regarded as a "Happy Realm" and a "Golden Opportunity" of life. This is because humans are unique beings endowed with the capital of mindfulness, wisdom, and free will (Cetanā) in choosing present actions to rectify or mitigate results from past kamma. Saṃvega acts as a "catalyst" linking the cycle of suffering to the path of cessation or the supramundane path, utilizing Yonisomanasikāra (reasoned attention) to shift attitudes and create urgency in Dhamma practice for radical life transformation. However, amidst modern globalization, a contradictory situation persists where most humans remain under the influence of three defilements: Taṇhā (craving), Māna (conceit), and Diṭṭhi (attachment to views), leading to spiritual crises and exploitation in contemporary society. These crises stem from education systems primarily focused on producing "Economic Animals" for competition while neglecting mental development according to the Threefold Training (Trisikkha)-namely Morality, Concentration, and Wisdom. This neglect leads to delusion and extreme attachment to the self (Attā), causing complex cognitive suffering. The study presents a new body of knowledge through the WARM MODEL as a framework for systematic reasoned attention to cultivate Right View (Samma-diṭṭhi). In conclusion, human birth is a noble state as it is the only realm capable of using suffering as a lesson for self-development to elevate the mind from a worldling to a Noble Person (Ariya-puggala). This facilitates the attainment of true freedom: Nibbāna, which is the ultimate goal of humanity.