THE PRACTICE OF FOUNDATIONS OF MINDFULNESS (SATIPATTHANA) AND MENTAL DEVELOPMENT BASED ON VIPASSANA MEDITATION OF PHRADHAMMADHEERARAJMAHAMUNEE (CHODOK YANASIDDHI)

Abstract

This study entitled "The Practice of Foundation of Mindfulness (Stipatthana) and Mental Development based on Vipassana Meditation of Phradhammadheerarajmahamunee (ChodokYanasiddhi) aimedto (1) study the mental development concept according to Buddhism and (2) to study the mental development according to Vipassanapractice as prescribed byPhradhammadhiraratmahamunee (ChodokYanasiddhi). It is a qualitative study along with anin-depthinterview. Findings revealed that mind is theforerunner of all things. Therefore, one should develop the mind by means of Tisikkha or the Noble Eightfold Path. A specific method to develop the mind 'Satipatthana' or the four foundations of mindfulness, which focuses mainly on thecontemplation of the body, the feelings, the mind, and the mind-objects, as they really are. The results of Satipatthana practicecan be concluded in two levels; 1)Lokiya level, benefits to daily living such as reducing stress, good manner, clear, calm, imperturbablemind with rapidly and correctly thinking, and 2) Lokuttara level, if a practitioner proceeds in the training, he or she can achieve different levels of attainments and have unshakablemind by any of the eight worldly conditions, i.e. gain, loss, fame, obscurity, happiness, pain, praise or blame.