The objective of the documentary research is on Aristotle's and Buddhist Ethics. As for Aristotle, the main Focuses is on Nicomachean Ethics wherease in Theravada Buddhism, the emphasis is on Tripitaka.
The findings indicate that, according to Aristotle, the good for man is what man by nature is seeking is "Eudaimonia", which misleadingly translate as "happiness". In fact, Eudaimonia involves the fulfillment of man's function. This, in terms of Aristotle metaphysical thought is expressed as "the actuality of the soul with respect to its function. The rational part of the soul is the part of "Intellectual virtue," and it is itself two fold in as much as one part of it is concerned with the contemplation of unchangeable truths and other with truths and objects which are subject to change. The virtue of the first part is sophia, or theoretical wisdom, and that of the second is phronesis or practical wisdom. The phronesis discourses what is right in action and so makes it possible for desires to conform to reason by discovering ends and then relating means to ends. But ultimate end of man is eudaimonia or being well. However, the highest of virtues is the theoretical wisdom which is regarded as the highest function in man.
In Tripitaka, the findings indicate the life is permeated by suffering which is rooted by craving. The cessation of suffering is possible through the cessation of craving by means of the Noble Eighthfold Path. The first two concern primarily with the frame of mind of the aspirants; the next three are the ethical requirements ; the final these concern the meditative training needed for contemplative knowledge of the ultimate truth. This attainment of peace and insight is called Nibbana. This state could be regarded as the true happiness.
It is noteworthy to point at that Aristotle doctrine of the Means reflect only the combination of theoretical and wisdom. However, in Theravada Buddhism, not only the two is emphasized but also the added notion of meditation and detailed paths of attaining the perfect happiness.
