THE FORM OF CONTEMPLATION TO ENTER THE PATH OF THE NOBLE PATH ACCORDING TO THE PRINCIPLE OF VIPASSANĀ MEDITATION

Abstract

This research paper investigated on 3 objectives: (1) to study the meditation in the Theravada Buddhist scriptures (2) to study the path of the Noble Path according to the principles of Vipassana Bhavana and (3) to propose a model for practicing meditation to enter the path of the Noble Path according to the principles of Vipassana Bhavana. It is a compiled research study with descriptive report.

          The findings revealed that the path of developing absorption  called Jhana for entering the Noble Path through Vipassana meditation involves cultivating meditative concentration with the aim of attaining Jhana, from the first Jhāna to Nevasaññānāsaññāyatana-jhāna ultimately leading to the attainment of wisdom, which arises from the practice of Samatha and vipassana to discern Nāma-rūpa or mind and matter as they truly are, fostering a wholesome way of life. Jhāna serves as a supporting factor for enlightenment, but in itself, it does not provide direct insight into the Noble Truths, nor does it completely eliminate defilements or mental fermentations. Practitioners who attained Jhāna must cultivate vipassana alongside it to perceive the ultimate reality of the Four Noble Truths, leading to the eradication of all mental defilements. In Buddhist meditation, Jhanic absorption involves focused perception (Saññā), whether in the form or the formless realm, in order to deepen the mind into unwavering stillness. Initially, this leads to absorption in conventional objects, followed by insight contemplation through mindfulness and clear comprehension. This process cultivates the Path leading to the realization of the Three Characteristics called Tilakkhana and the progressive development of Jhana, culminating in Nevasaññānāsaññāyatana-jhāna. The method of developing jhana as a path toward the Noble Path through Vipassana meditation involves cultivating Samatha meditation until the mind becomes firmly established in access concentration or Upacāra samādhi and absorption concentration or Appanā samādhi. To enter vipassana, one must first develop jhana to a sufficient level, using it as a foundation (Jhana-pādaka), then withdraws from Jhāna before elevating the mind to insight meditation. Through this process, the mind naturally aligns with the Noble Path, becoming fully aware of mental phenomena in accordance with reality, based on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness leading to insight into the Three Characteristics within the Five Aggregates or Nāma-rūpa, ultimately resulting in supramundane wisdom and Nibbana.