A Model of Practice toward Vedana in Vipassana Meditation

Abstract

This research had three objectives: 1) to study Vedanã in Theravada Buddhist scriptures, 2) to study the insight meditation schools’ ways of practice towards Vedanã, and 3) to study the practice model towards Vedanã in insight meditation practice and laypeople’s application of the practical ways towards Vedanã in daily lives. This was a qualitative research. In the research, it was found that the development of mindfulness in contemplation of Vedanã in its reality by which it was caused to happen all the times had been obviously taught by Buddha. In doing this, Buddhadhamma applied for dealing with Vedanã basically were of mindfulness (Sati), effort (Viriya), patience (Khanti), concentration (Samãdhi), and the contemplation of the factors of enlightenment (Bojjhanga), three common Characteristics (Tilakkhana), proper attention (Yonisomanasikãra), ten constant mindfulness (10 Anussati), and ten perceptions of meditation (10 Saññã). The practical ways in dealing with Vedanã adopted by five insight meditation practice schools were mainly focused on the contemplation of Vedanã in its reality; in these schools, there were some different details such as the international Insight Mediation School more and more focuses on patient perception by trying to see the function of Vedanã without changing any postures in order to see the real nature of Vedanã at earliest opportunity, the Goenka Insight Meditation School observed Vedanã without changing posture only in the moment of making resolution, Ajarn Nab Insight Meditation School focuses on the awareness of posture changing because of the arising of suffering and then realizing the suffering of corporeal resulting in having wisdom. In Suan Mokkha school and the most venerable Thien, the changing of one postures could be mindfully made when one was out of patience. In this research, the practice model in dealing with Vedana while practicing insight meditation was of the following ones: 1) one should have faith, 2) one should have mindfulness, 3) one should tirelessly make effort, 4) three common Characteristics should be seen, and 5) one should be indifferent. In the application of the practical ways in dealing with Vedanã in daily lives, they were of the following steps: 1) one should associate with a good friend, 2) one should have loving kindness, 3) one should not be greedy, 4) one should take care of one’s mind all the time,5) one should have positive thinking. In the practical ways while dealing with Vedanã in order to alleviate suffering in one’s daily life, they were of these aspects: 1) one should be ready to experience it, 2) one should understand its real nature, 3) one should make an effort to correct it, 4) wisdom should be utilized, and 5) one should be ready to no longer hold it. All the mentioned model and ways in dealing with Vedanã were considered to consistent with the practical ways towards Vedanã in Buddhist scriptures; all were named Appamãda, non-heedlessness.