A Study of Roles and Dhamma of Bodhisattava in the Birth of Merchant

Abstract

The objectives of this thesis were to study role and historical background of Bodhisatta in Theravada Buddhism, to study principal virtues of Bodhisatta in the birth of merchant, and to study the application of principal virtues and methods of Bodhisatta in the birth of merchant.

The findings were as follows:

Bodhisattas meant the persons who practised perfection or did various good deeds to get an enlightenment and being the Buddha in the future. There were many Bodhisattas according to the belief in Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism. Bodhisattas were the splendid models to the Buddhists in cultivation of goodness i.e. helping others without selfishness. To cultivate principal virtues was the Bodhisattas' duties.

Bodhisatta used to be born a merchant for fifteen births. The principal virtues found in the birth of merchants were the knowledge of sincerely business running in terms of trading, purchasing, selling, profiting, and costing.

The principal virtues of Bodhisattas in the births of merchants consisted of the principle of intelligence (reasonableness), the principle of right conduct, and the principle of heedfulness. These principal virtues were the prominent virtues for the Bodhisattas in the births of merchants. And they could be applied to practise in life leading and in business running.