An Analysis of Insight (Vipassana) in Traibhumikatha Influencing Buddhist Ideology in Thai Society

Abstract

 This research article aims at analysis the contents and Buddhist teachings in Traibhumikatha, the insight meditation teaching in Buddhism, and analysis the value of Traibhumikatha in aspect of insight meditation which influence to Buddhist morale of Thai society. It was a qualitative research. Its findings were that Traibhumikatha was composed by Phraya Li Tai, the king of Sukhodaya kingdom in 1888 B.E. as the guideline and constitution code for mental and social development based on absolute truth by following moral, concentration and wisdom. He referred to original scripture of Buddhism more than 30 texts especially Abhidhammapitaka to illustrate the series leading the audiences and reader to realize what is happening at present moment and leading to final realization or Nibbana as the most benefits. Insight meditation refers to the code of insight investigation on observing the absolute truth of all phenomena including; form and formless objects known as five aggregates by using the main tools, i.e., intentional effort, awareness and mindfulness. Its aims are to experience Tilakkhana, realizing the absolute and releasing from all conventional spheres, minding thought constructions, until it attained 16 insight knowledge in various stages and Nibbana respectively. The value dealing with insight revealed that the teaching of Three Trainings and insight meditation objects were seen as the main contents of story in Traibhumikatha implied to observe and concentrate on mental formation contemplating until this leads to final realization. It had been used as constitutional code for spiritual and social growth at the same time while still living which is the present truth. In addition, there are other values found in the text such as it is the root of Thai identity in aspect of ideology, language, social norm, culture, celebration, value, morale, aesthetic, religion and all branches of Thai arts generated by Buddhism.