Day 31D: Understanding the Happiness of Blamelessness (Anavajja Sukha) through the Anaṇa Sutta (AN 4.62) – Study Notes from BGF Tuesday Sutta Study with Bhante Dr. G. Chandima (February 25, 2025)

 

Please note that in this blogpost,"ethical living" and "right living" are used interchangeably.

The Happiness of Blamelessness (Anavajja Sukha): A Guide to Ethical Living in a Complex World

"A peaceful heart comes from a blameless life." In today’s fast-paced, interconnected world, ethical living is more challenging—but also more essential—than ever. The Anavajja Sukha (happiness of blamelessness) is the deep contentment that arises from earning and living without harming oneself or others.

“I’ve enjoyed wealth,
supported my dependents,
and overcome adversities.
I have given an uplifting offering,
and performed the five oblations.

I have served the virtuous monks,
the self-controlled celibate ones.
“I have achieved whatever purpose
a wise person, dwelling at home,
might have in desiring wealth;
what I have done brings me no regret.”

Recollecting this, a mortal
remains firm in the noble Dhamma.
They praise him here in this life,
and after death he rejoices in heaven. (Ādiya Sutta AN 5.41)

In today’s fast-paced and competitive world, making a living can be complicated. People are often pressured to compromise their values for financial gain. However, the Anana Sutta (AN 4.62) reminds us that true happiness is not just about wealth—it is about earning and living in a way that is free from regret and moral conflict.

1. What is Wrong Living (micchā ājīva)?

To understand right living (sammā ājīva), we must first recognize what is not ethical. In the Mahācattārīsaka Sutta (MN 117), the Buddha defines wrong living (micchā ājīva) as:

"Kuhanā, lapanā, nemittikatā, nippesikatā, lābhena lābhaṁ nijigīsanatā—ayaṁ vuccati, bhikkhave, micchā-ājīvo."

"Scheming, flattery, hinting, belittling, and pursuing gain with gain—this, bhikkhus, is wrong living."

🔹 Kuhanā (Scheming) – Using deceitful strategies to gain wealth.
🔹 Lapanā (Flattery/Hypocrisy) – Using sweet words insincerely for personal benefit.
🔹 Nemittikatā (Hinting) – Manipulating others subtly to obtain favors.
🔹 Nippesikatā (Belittling) – Putting others down to gain an advantage.
🔹 Lābhena lābhaṁ nijigīsanatā (Pursuing gain with gain) – Using previous gains unethically to secure more wealth.

A person who engages in these behaviors may accumulate wealth, but they will never experience Anavajja Sukha—the pure happiness that comes from a blameless life.

2. The Five Precepts (pañca sīla): The Foundation of Ethical Living

To cultivate Anavajja Sukha, one must adhere to the Five Precepts (pañca sīla), which form the moral foundation of ethical living:

✅ Pānātipātā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṁ samādiyāmi – I undertake the precept to abstain from killing living beings.

✅ Adinnādānā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṁ samādiyāmi – I undertake the precept to abstain from taking what is not given.

✅ Kāmesu micchācārā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṁ samādiyāmi – I undertake the precept to abstain from sexual misconduct.

✅ Musāvādā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṁ samādiyāmi – I undertake the precept to abstain from false speech.

✅ Surāmeraya-majja-pamādaṭṭhānā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṁ samādiyāmi – I undertake the precept to abstain from intoxicating drinks and drugs to an extent that leads to heedlessness.

A person who upholds these precepts will naturally engage in right living and experience the joy of a clear conscience.

3. Why is it Important to Be Rich?

The Buddha never discouraged wealth—he only emphasized that it should be earned ethically and used wisely. In the Ādiya Sutta (AN 5.41), the Buddha explains five reasons why wealth is important and how it should be used:

“Pañcime, gahapati, ādiya— attānaṁ sukheti, pāricariyaṁ sukhāpeti, ubhayaṁ sukhāpeti, punnāni karoti, dahate dakkhiṇaṁ.”

"Householder, there are these five benefits of wealth: 

(1) supporting oneself, 

(2) supporting one’s family, 

(3) supporting friends, 

(4) making merit, and 

(5) offering to spiritual practitioners."

4. Were Jobs Simpler During the Buddha’s Time?

Yes, that’s a great point! During the Buddha’s time, work was often localized and direct. A potter made pots in his home, a farmer cultivated his own land, and a merchant sold goods face-to-face. The impact of one’s livelihood was immediate and visible—people knew exactly how their work affected others.

Today, jobs are often complex and interconnected. Many activities—manufacturing, communication, finance, and even education—happen within a single workplace, sometimes even virtually. This raises unique challenges:

• Ethical Distance – People may not see the direct impact of their work. For example, a person working in a large corporation might not be aware of the environmental harm or labor exploitation linked to their industry.

• Multi-Role Engagement – Unlike in ancient times, a single job might involve many tasks: administration, marketing, production, and digital work.

• Technological Influence – Automation and AI change the way work is done, sometimes replacing traditional roles.

• Work-Life Integration – Many people work from home, blending professional and personal responsibilities in ways that never existed before.  

Modern Challenges:

⚠️ Ethical concerns in large industries (e.g., mass production, pollution)
⚠️ Unethical work conditions (e.g., exploitative labor, deception in business)
⚠️ Psychological stress from high-pressure careers

While the world has changed, the principles of right livelihood remain the same—ensuring that our work does not harm others or cause inner conflict.

5. Is Right Living Only for Professionals?

No! Right living applies to everyone—whether you are a business owner, employee, housewife, or househusband. Any role that involves responsibility and sustenance should be guided by ethical principles.

“Sammā-ājīvo kho, bhikkhave, ariyo aṭṭhaṅgiko maggo”
“Right Living is part of the Noble Eightfold Path.” – (MN 117)

Household roles also involve ethical considerations—managing resources wisely, supporting the family without dishonesty, and contributing positively to society.

6. How is Right Living Connected to the Noble Eightfold Path?

Right living (sammā ājīva) is directly linked to:

🔹 Right View (sammā diṭṭhi) – Understanding ethical consequences.
🔹 Right Action (sammā kammanta) – Engaging in moral behavior.
🔹 Right Effort (sammā vāyāma) – Striving to maintain ethical conduct.

A person cannot fully follow the Noble Eightfold Path while engaging in the wrong living.

7. Is Right Living Related to Ecological Responsibility?

Yes! Sustenance is not just about earning—it is about how we consume. Ethical living extends to:

🌱 Environmental impact (e.g., sustainable practices)
👣 Ethical consumerism (e.g., supporting fair trade)
💧 Responsible use of resources (e.g., water, electricity)

The way we live and earn directly affects the planet and future generations.

8. How Do We Know We Have the Happiness of Blamelessness?

At the end of each day, ask yourself:
🔹 Have I broken any of the Five Precepts?
🔹 Did I engage in any form of wrong living?

If your heart is light, peaceful, and free from guilt, you are experiencing Anavajja Sukha—the happiness of blamelessness. See Cetanā karaṇīya Sutta (AN 11.2) for a detailed explanation. 

An ethical person, who has fulfilled ethical conduct, need not make a wish:

“Sīlavato, bhikkhave, sīlasampannassa na cetanāya karaṇīyaṁ:

‘May I have no regrets!’

‘avippaṭisāro me uppajjatū’ti.

It’s only natural that an ethical person has no regrets.

Dhammatā esā, bhikkhave, yaṁ sīlavato sīlasampannassa avippaṭisāro uppajjati.

"For one who has joy, rapture arises."

“Pāmojjaṁ jāyati, pamuditassa pīti jāyati.”
 – (AN 11.2)

9. How Does Anavajja Sukha Help at the Time of Death?

If a person has earned wealth through ethical means, they face death without regret. Their mind is free from greed (lobha), hatred (dosa), and delusion (moha).

“Hatred never ends through hatred, but by non-hatred alone.” 

“Na hi verena verāni, sammantīdha kudācanaṁ.”

– (Dhammapada 5)

A person who has lived blamelessly dies with peace, clarity, and dignity.

Conclusion

Living with the Happiness of Blamelessness (anavajja sukha) is one of the greatest forms of happiness. Wealth alone does not bring peace—a blameless heart does.

✨ Live well, earn ethically, and enjoy the deep happiness of a blameless life. ✨