A Study of Insight Practice in Āsīvisopamasutta

Abstract

This research paper contains 2 main objectives; to study of the contents and teachings in Āsīvisopamasutta, and analyze the insight meditation found in ĀsĪvisopamasutta. The data research was conducted by collecting the authentic teachings of the Buddha from Tipitaka as well as its commentaries, texts concerned, then being analyzed, summarized and finally compiled in descriptive style, approved by supervisor. Its findings were that Āsīvisopamasutta is a discourse delivered by the Buddha in simile style in order to visualize the unpleasant conditions for encouraging those Bhikkhus with Jhāna to further practice of insight in advance. It is a type of self-manner of the Buddha called Sutta. The Saddagammupama or word metaphor was applied to the teaching. In the discourse, the Buddha called Bhikkhus, then told the story that once, a man who was hunted by 4 dangerous snakes (Dhātu), ran away then, met the 5 murders (Upādānakkhanddha) who want to kill him, then again associated with enemy spy (lust) who follows him, then he escaped, staying in 6 empty shelters (Sensual contacts), surrounded by 4 oceans (Ogha). Then he saw this riverbank (Self-clinging) as danger, unsafe, and tried to make the raft (8 noble paths), with continued striving for other safe riverbank with hands and feet, finally he reached the peaceful bank (Nibbāna). This story visualizes the gradual practice of insight clearly. In the end of teaching, those Bhikkhus attained Arahantaship through insight following while listening the Buddha’s words.