Buddhist Education Centre
Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Sammasambuddhasa

The Three Levels of Goals

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Summary

This article is a brief summary of the teachings of Venerable P.A. Payutto from his book Buddhist Principles for a Fruitful and Harmonious Life. It provides a clear outline of the three levels of worthy goals to be cultivated.

Content

The Three Levels of Goals

1. First level: Present benefits to be seen & utilized here and now (ditthadhammikattha):

1. Having good health, a strong body, freedom from disease, pleasant appearance, and long life.
2. Having work and income, honest livelihood, and economic self-reliance.
3. Having good status, being of good standing in the community.
4. Having a happy family worthy of admiration & respect.

2. Second level: Religious goals for further advantages (sampara yikattha):

1. Warmth, deep appreciation and happiness through faith of having a true ideal.
2. Pride in having a clean life, in having done only morally irreproachable deeds.
3. Gratification in a worthwhile life, in having made sacrifices and done much good.
4. Courage & confidence by having understanding to deal with problems & guide own & other’s life.
5. Security and freedom from worry in having done good as an investment for the future life.

3. Third level: The absolute and ultimate Goal (paramattha):

1. Not wavering in face of common vicissitudes and inevitable changes.
2. Not being depressed, despaired, or distressed because of clinging to attachments.
3. Being assured, secure, calm, clear, cheerful, and mentally buoyant at all times.
4. Living and acting with wisdom, which looks rationally at all causes and conditions.
5. Approaching Nibbana – the deathless element – the highest bliss – the final peace – the highest goal.

One who is able to attain the second level of goals & upwards is known as a wise man (pandita).

References

1. A constitution for Living – Buddhist Principles for a Fruitful and Harmonious Life – Ven. P.A. Payutto. Thailand. Buddhist Publication Society 2007: BP 620S (www.bps.lk )