Sacrifice, Happiness, and Liberation in the Buddhist Perspective

Abstract

Ceremonial rituals are a religious expression in the form of worship with the use of meaningful symbolic mediums to seek happiness. In some rituals, the sacrifice of a living creature is done for various purposes and with different background contexts. This research then aims to look at the Buddhist perspective of sacrifice, happiness, and liberation, as well as look at the link between sacrifice, happiness, and liberation. This qualitative descriptive research utilizes the library research approach. The results of this research then found that the Buddha does not oppose those who conduct the sacrifice of living beings because Buddhism does not force teachings upon other groups. All parties have their own beliefs and consequences according to the concept of karma law. The Buddha only accepted sacrifice or offerings without the killing of a living creature. Killing a living being is a violation of the first Buddhist Pancasila, stated as Pāņatipātā Veramaņi. Someone who seeks happiness through torturing or sacrificing another being who also wants happiness, will not gain happiness in this life or the next life, and vice versa. The sacrifice of living beings is the third inner burden (saṁyojana), also known as Silabbataparāmāsa. Saṁyojana is an obstacle that must be overcome to improve the spirit to achieve the highest form of happiness, or liberation known as Nibbana.