THE GUIDELINES FOR ELIMINATING OWARDICE AS SHOWN IN THE BHAYABHERAVA SUTTA TO PROMOTE THE PRACTICE OF VIPASSANA MEDITATION

Abstract

This dissertation investigates on three objectives: 1) to study the structure. content. and teachings in Bhayabherava Sutta. 2) to examine the practice of Vipassana meditation as outlined in Theravada Buddhism. and 3) to propose The Guidelines for Eliminating cowardice as Shown in the Bhayabherava Sutta to Promote the Practice of Vipassana Meditation. It was qualitative research. focusing on documents and in-depth interviews with 15 experts. followed by analytical and descriptive presentations.

                     The findings were that: Bhayabherava Sutta addresses the nature of fear or consternation eliminating delivered by the Buddha to Janussoni Brahmin while residing at the Jetavana Monastery in Savatthi. The core content discusses the causes of fear when living in forest dwellings and the factors that evoke fear. The Sutta is structured as a dialogue or question and answers. The Buddha compared the fear experienced by other ascetics and Brahmins in forest retreats to the fearlessness of himself and the noble disciples. The 16 causes of the consternation in other ascetics include: Impure bodily actions. Impure verbal actions. Impure mental actions. etc. In contrast. the Buddha and noble disciples remain fearless due to the opposite conditions of these 16 factors.

                     Vipassana meditation practice refers to the mental training aiming to gain insight into name and form (Nāma-rūpa) in accordance with the Three Marks of Existence. impermanence. suffering and non-self including six categories: The Five Aggregates (Khandha). The Twelve Sense Bases (Āyatana). The Eighteen Elements (Dhātu). The Twenty-Two Faculties (Indriya). The Four Noble Truths. The Twelve Links of Dependent Origination (Paṭiccasamuppāda).

                     These principles are synthesized into the practice of mindfulness and insight. supported by the 37 Bodhipakkhiyādhammā or Factors of Enlightenment: Four Foundations of Mindfulness. Four Right Efforts. Four Bases of Success. Five Faculties. Five Powers. Seven Factors of Enlightenment. Noble Eightfold Path. Practitioners develop mindfulness through the Training. maintaining continuous awareness of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness: body. feelings. mind. and mental formations. This leads to the development of 16 stages of insight knowledge. starting from Nāmarūpaparicchedañāṇa or distinguishing mind and body to reviewing knowledge called Paccavekkhaṇa-ñāṇa. Ultimately. it results in inner peace. concentration. and the attainment of the Noble Path. eradicating defilements and ending suffering.

                     Synthesis of consternation elimination guideline of the mentioned Bhayabherava Sutta include that laypersons must observe the Five Precepts. and Bhikkhus adhere to the 227 monastic rules. The Additional practices are: 1) upholding morality to avoid unwholesome actions (Akusalakamma). 2) Associating with wise individuals and studying the Dhamma with critical thought. 3) Avoiding improper pursuits (21 forms of unwholesome livelihood). 4) Restraining the six sense faculties. 5) Cultivating mindfulness and clear comprehension in daily life. 6) Holding correct views aligned with Right View (Sammādiṭṭhi). 7) Practicing contentment and simplicity. 8) Avoiding excessive socialization. 9) Maintaining proper conduct and discipline. 10) Trying to abandon unwholesome states and cultivate wholesome ones. 11) Practicing appropriate speech based on the Ten Subjects of Right Speech. 12) Meditating with verbal recitation. 13) Cultivating the Four Divine Abiding (Brahmavihāra): loving-kindness. compassion. sympathetic joy. equanimity. 14) Training the mind to achieve concentration free from hindrances. 15) Practicing Vipassana meditation based on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness. A new conceptual framework gained is BVMH-15.