A Study of The five Elements and insight Meditation Practice in THERAVĀDA Buddhist Scriptures

Abstract

This thesis had three objectives:- to study the five elements appearing in Tharavāda Buddhist scriptures, to study the principles of Vipassanā-Bhāvanā Practic appearing in Theravāda Buddhist scriptures and to study of the five elements and Insight Meditation Practice in Theravāda Buddhist scriptures. It is the documentary research paper From the study is found that, the element (Dhātu) by Buddhism means the specific characterized situation or to maintain the individual legacy such as the earth-element (Paṭhavī-Dhātu) has nature of solidness as it basis, with the support all of Forms (Rūpa) are the duties, has been the theme of all elements are the results. The rest of primary elements (Mahābhūtarūpa) and sense-objects (Visayarūpa) are the nearest causes, base on factors as their own original nature. The consisting of five elements are the earth element (Paṭhavī-Dhātu), the water-element (Āpo-Dhātu), the fire-elements (Tejo-Dhātu), and the air element (Vāyo- Dhātu). The Vipassanā-Bhāvanā Practice requires the elements to be the mental phenomenon, which help perfection of wisdom (Vipassanā-ñāṇa) considered successful. Therefore to understanding the elements which effect to Insight Meditation Practice are very importance. The Suddhavipassanāyānika should knowing Form and the Norm by the elements as before. Then trainning for the momentary concentration (Khaṇikasamādhi) which has the power to eliminate a hindrance. After strengthen of the momentary concentration then the intellectual introspection which obvious of Nama and Rupa without any provisions will happen (Nāmarūpa-parriccheda-ñāṇa). It is very important to pay attention by knowing the temparaments at the present moment on sight coming. If the meditators focus at any moment and reallize that characteristic of the elements are impermanence, state of suffering and soullessness.