THE PROCESS OF THE CONTEMPLATION ON THE NOBLE TRUTH APPEARING IN THE DHAMMACAKAPPAVATTANASUTTA FOR INSIGHT MEDITATION PRACTICE

Abstract

This dissertation contains 3 objectives: 1) to investigate the Four Noble Truths appearing in Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, 2) to explore the Vipassana meditation practice in Theravada Buddhist scriptures; and 3) to propose a process for contemplation on Four Noble Truths appearing in Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta for insight meditation practice. It was qualitative research primarily relying on documentary analysis and in-depth interviews. A total of 20 individuals were interviewed, including 11 experts/scholars and 9 meditators. The collected data was subsequently analyzed, synthesized, and presented using a descriptive narrative approach.

The findings indicated that The Four Noble Truths are the profound truths taught by the Buddha to attain liberation from suffering. They are: suffering (Dukkhasacca), the origin of suffering (Dukkhasamudayasacca), the cessation of suffering (Dukkhanirodhasacca), and the path leading to the cessation of suffering (Dukkha-nirodha-patipada-sacca). These principles serve to eliminate defilements and lead to ultimate freedom. Understanding arises on two levels: conceptual and experiential insight (ñāṇa). The conceptual level involves analyzing causes and effects of suffering, while the level of insight is developed through vipassanā meditation, observing the arising and passing of phenomena. Complete practice of the Four Noble Truths involves recognizing suffering,

Vipassanā meditation is the development of higher wisdom to clearly realize the true nature of mind and matter (nāma-rūpa) as impermanent, suffering, and non-self. Its core mental factor is paññā (wisdom). There are various approaches to practice, such as starting with samatha (calmness) or beginning directly with vipassanā. The objects of vipassanā contemplation fall into six categories: the five aggregates, the twelve sense bases, the eighteen elements, the twenty-two faculties, the Four Noble Truths, and the twelve links of dependent origination. Supporting principles include the 37 factors of enlightenment (bodhipakkhiyā dhammā), especially the Four Foundations of Mindfulness (satipaṭṭhāna): contemplation of the body, feelings, mind, and mental objects. Practicing vipassanā based on these foundations can lead to the attainment of arahantship in this very life, or at the least, to becoming a noble disciple (ariya-puggala), bringing peace and liberation from suffering.

The process of realizing the Four Noble Truths through vipassanā meditation, as presented in the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, begins with observing the Five Aggregates as impermanent, suffering, and non-self phenomena that arise and pass away—leading to the abandonment of attachment. Next is the abandoning of the cause of suffering, which is the three types of craving: sensual craving, craving for existence, and craving for non-existence. This is managed through the practice of contentment in three forms: with what one receives, with one’s capabilities, and with what is appropriate. The mind is then inclined toward cessation (nirodha), recognizing that all conditioned things arise and cease, with Nibbāna as the ultimate refuge. Finally, the Noble Eightfold Path is developed completely—right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration—leading to wisdom that cuts through ignorance and defilements, ultimately freeing the mind from the cycle of suffering. This entire process is summarized in the SOCP model (Suffering–Origin–Cessation–Path), which can be further developed and applied in various contexts.