Application of Anattalakkhana Sutta for Vipassana Meditation

Abstract

This research article has three objectives 3 objectives: 1) to study important doctrines in Anattalakkhana Sutta, 2) to study of Vipassana meditation practice in Theravada Buddhist scriptures, and 3) to propose the vipassana meditation practice found in Anattalakkhana Sutta. It was qualitative research done by documentary type, with in-depth interviewing 6 Vipassana experts and 5 meditators.

The results of the research found that Vipassana practice found in Anattalakkhana Sutta is a of Vipassanāyānika type, a cultivation of insight by observing the ultimate states of all just happening things directly. It is a question and answer or insight examination. While the Pancavaggiya or five sages were meditating and observing the appearing five aggregates, i.e., forms, feelings, perceptions, etc., the Buddha asked whether the five aggregates were permanent, they replied that impermanent, whatever are impermanent, if one wants it to be impermanent, his mind will experience suffering or happiness? They replied that suffering and he concluded by insisting that all impermanent and suffering things should not attach it as oneself, I and others. In the end of discourse, their minds broke up the five-aggregate attachment. This also was called Bhāvanāmayapaññā or practicing every moment. The new knowledge is that Vipassana practice with great diligence, awareness and mindfulness while listening to Dhamma or question-answer can achieve full enlightenment in every moment through observing the ultimate state of whatever, form and name, is arising and passing away. This practical teaching was not difficult to understand and follow. It then becomes popular and considered a culture practiced and passed down from Buddha’s time.