Abstract

                 This thesis has three objectives: to study Kalyāṇamittatā in the Theravāda Buddhist Scriptures, to study how the dhamma is attained in the Theravāda Buddhist Scriptures and to study the influence of Kalyāṇamittatā in the dhamma attainment. Clarified and analyzed data are taken from the Theravāda Buddhist scriptures namely, the Tipitaka, Buddhist commentaries, Tīga and other related scriptures then composed, explained in details and verified by Buddhist scholars.

                 The study found that the word Mittra in Sanskrit is corresponding to Mittatā in the Pali language and possess the same meaning as Mettā, which means loving-kindness; friendliness or goodwill. Kalyāṇamittatā refer to the good company, both as a person and the virtues that will support and promote one’s life into a progressed and developed paths until one attains the dhamma. Kalyāṇamittatā refers to the Buddha - the fully Enlightened One, the Individually Enlightened One, the 8 noble individuals, the well-conducted monks, parents, preceptors, teachers, spouses, friends and good persons in general. This also includes good environments. The basic qualifications of Kalyāṇamittatā are: Ariya-dhana: the 7 noble treasures and Sappurisa-dhamma: qualities of a good man. The direct quality of a good friend is called Kalyāṇamittatā-dhamma.

                 Dhamma attainment means the development of one’s insight until he has gained wisdom to understand thoroughly the Four Noble Truths. This can be explained that when one has reached the wisdom of the Four Noble Truths for the first time and according to the nine supermundane states, which consist of the Four Paths, the Four Fruitions and Nibbāna, one would have passed the worldly conditions and become a holy person. Thus, to be able to become one of the noble persons such as Sotāpanna: Stream-Enterer, Sakadāgāmī: Once-Returner, Anāgāmī: Non-Returner and Arahanta: the Worthy One or even to become a Paccekabuddha: the Individually Enlightened One or the Buddha: the Fully Enlightened One, these all depends on the thorough knowledge of their wisdom in the  Four Noble Truths.

                 Kalyāṇamittatā is considered important for the dhamma attainment in the Theravāda Buddhism because he is the one who is with good company and will support another for their wisdom development until he reaches his goal. Natural environments and people are considered worldly Kalyāṇamittatā while the Buddha - the fully Enlightened One, the Individually Enlightened One and the Arahants are considered supermundane Kalyāṇamittatā. One can attain the high-level dhamma and be liberated when one resides in the Buddha’s teachings using His dhamma as practical tools while having His noble disciples as good examples.

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