A Study of The Cultivation And Perfection in Enlightenment of Angulimālathera

Abstract

This research is of three objectives, namely, to study of the achievement of Dhamma in Theravada Buddhist Scriptures, to study of the practicing perfections in Theravada Buddhist Scriptures, and to study of Aṅgulimāla Thera’s Practicing Perfections and Achievement of Dhamma. It is to study from the Theravada Buddhist Scriptures and others related documents. After that, it was compiled and explained in descriptive detail, and then it was verified by Buddhist scholars. From the study was found that;

The achievement of Dhamma is the development of the wisdom until understanding the four Noble Truths by the practicing the Threefold Trainings, in the Middle Way, the development of Samatha Bhāvanā and Vipassanā Bhāvanā or the cultivation of the four Foundations of Mindfulness; contemplation of body, feeling, mind, and mind-objects. It is contemplation of the five Khandas: corporeality and mentality to see the reality in three characteristics. The meditator was strong Insight Knowledge in the way of Vipassanā, he could abandon the fetters and tendencies, and could attain the Magga, Phala, and Nibbāna, to be a Noble One in Buddhism.

The practicing perfections are the development of the virtues causing to be a goal. What he wants to be, he has to practice the perfection for his goal. It is especially to be intention for the highest goal. The practicing perfections is the basic virtue for carrying on the advanced virtue, it says that Magga, Phala, and Nibbāna. In other words, the practicing perfections will support the development of advanced virtue completely. So, one who is full perfections, is called fulfilled person and having perfection for attainment.

Aṅgulimāla Thera who fulfilled the perfections in Buddhism for a long times, he had met the private Buddhas and Bodhisattvas in his former times, and having chance to listen to Dhamma and observance the moralities. With the result of Kamma, he became a murderer killing more 1,000 persons without intention because he was deceived his teacher and other student. He met the Lord Buddha who taught and advised him with kindness until he became a monk. His character was patience, living by mindfulness, be careful, having good conduct, the four ascetics practice, until he got enlightenment that is Arahatta. This is the moral to the one who has done mistake and return to be a good person by holding the principle in Buddhism.