An Analysis Of Vipassanabhavana PracticalWay Based On Four Mahasatipatthana Of Wat Silamoon Nakohn Pathom Province

Abstract

This thesis aims to: 1) examine Vipassana meditation based on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness (Satipaṭṭhāna) as detailed in Buddhist scriptures; 2) investigate the current landscape of Vipassana meditation instruction in Thai society, with a specific focus on Wat Sila Moon Meditation Center in Nakhon Pathom province; and 3) analyze the Vipassana meditation practices employed at Wat Sila Moon Meditation Center, particularly their adherence to the principles of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness. The research methodology is qualitative in nature, employing data collection and analysis through descriptive narratives. The research findings indicate that Satipatthana is a mindfulness-based practice comprising four foundations: mindfulness of the body or Kāyānupassanāsatipaṭṭhāna, mindfulness of feelings or Vedanānupassanāsatipattana, mindfulness of the mind or Cittānupassanāsatipatthāna, and mindfulness of mental objects called Dhammānupassanāsatipaṭṭhāna). Each foundation emphasizes the cultivation of mindfulness towards its respective object, with the aim of reducing attachment and clinging. The study reveals that while Vipassana meditation practices of five prominent teachers vary in their approaches to the calming stage (Samatha), they all emphasize the Four Foundations of Mindfulness in the insight stage. At Wat Sila Moon Meditation Center, practitioners have been encouraged to utilize their skillful meditation techniques, with a focus on observing the body, feelings, mind, and mental objects, in accordance with the Four Foundations of Mindfulness. The practice guidelines at Wat Sila Moon Meditation Center prioritize the teaching of Vipassana meditation based on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness. Practitioners are welcome to integrate their prior meditation experience, fostering a universal approach to practice. The emphasis is placed on cultivating mindfulness in the foundations of body, feelings, mind, and mental objects, all of which are subject to the three characteristics of existence.