SSBU

Includes abstract, abbreviations, references.

Abstract _ - This paper explores the Buddhist concept of self-benefit (attahita), examining its fundamental nature, cultivation, and relationship to benefiting others (parahita). It argues that attahita is not a selfish pursuit, but rather a necessary foundation for personal growth, ethical conduct, and meaningful contributions to society. Through an analysis of Buddhist scriptures, commentaries, and examples, the paper demonstrates that the cultivation of attahita involves moral discipline, the elimination of unwholesome roots (lust, hatred, and delusion), and the development of wisdom. It highlights the interconnectedness of attahita and parahita, emphasizing that true services to others is rooted in self-cultivation. The life of th Buddha, as well as the teachings and examples of other Buddhist figures, are used to illustrate how the pursuit of attahita ultimately leads to the welfare of all beings. This paper concludes that attahita is an essential ethical principles in Buddhism, advocating for a balanced approach to personal development and altrusim, and promoting a path fo liberation through the cultivation of self-benefit. PGD (PBS) Shan State Buddhist University, 2025

Table of Contents _ -
Abbreviations
1. Introductions
1.1 Background of the research
1.2 Research objectives
1.3 Literature Review
1.4 Methodology
1.5 Significance of the study
2. The Concept of Attahita in Theravada Buddhism
2.1 The definition of attahita
2.2 The importance of self-benefit
2.3 Core responsibilities of a human
2.4 Challanges to self-benefit
3. Interrelationship Between Self-Benefit and Benefiting Others
3.1 The Noble pursuit of self-benefit without selfiness
3.2 The interconnected path of self and other's benefit.
3.3 Oxford Sayadaw's personal growth to welfare of others
4. The Path to Liberation Through Cultivating Self-Benefit
4.1 Building self-benefit as an essential ethic
4.2 Overcoming three unwholesome roots
4.3 Overcoming greed and attachment in building self-benefit
4.4 Overcoming hatred in building attahita
4.5 Overcoming delusion with wisdom
4.6 The Buddha's enlightenment and self-beneficial teachings
5. Analysis and conclusions
References. Ven. Khemavamsa The Importance of Self-benefit in Early Buddhist Texts : An Examination of the Attavagga and Associated Teachings on Attahita