An analytical study of the principles of meditation practice Of Somdet Phra Buddhaghosacariya (P. A. Payutto)

Abstract

In this thesis, three objectives were purposely made: (1) to examine the principles of meditation practice as presented in Buddhist scriptures, (2) to investigate the principles of meditation practice as expounded by Somdet Phra Buddhaghosacharya (P.A. Payutto), and (3) to analyze his approach to meditation practice. This research adopts a documentary research methodology, drawing upon Buddhist scriptures and the works of Somdet Phra Buddhaghosacharya (P.A. Payutto), and employs descriptive analysis.

The findings showed that the principles of meditation practice in Buddhist scriptures are structured according to the threefold division of Saddhamma, namely: Pariyatti-saddhamma (theoretical doctrine), Paṭipatti-saddhamma (practical doctrine), and Paṭivedha-saddhamma (realization of the doctrine).

Meditation practice according to the approach of Somdet Phra Buddhaghosacharya (P.A. Payutto) can be classified into four types: (1) natural or spontaneous concentration, which arises organically through wholesome conduct, recollection of one’s virtues, recollection of the Triple Gem, and contemplation of Dhamma; (2) concentration based on the Four Bases of Success (Iddhipãda), cultivated through chanda (zeal), viriya (effort), citta (mindfulness or attentiveness), and vĩmaṃsã (investigation); (3) mindfulness-based concentration, developed through awareness of mental and emotional states in order to cultivate wisdom; and (4) systematic or structured concentration, involving deliberate preparation and methodical practice.

The analysis of meditation practice according to the approach of Somdet Phra Buddhaghosacharya (P.A. Payutto) also showed the followings: (1) spontaneous concentration is consistent with the concept of Dhamma-samãdhi, including pamojja (gladness), pĩti (rapture), passaddhi (tranquility), sukha (happiness), and samãdhi (concentration), as well as the ten wholesome courses of action and the four Brahmavihãras; (2) concentration based on the Iddhipãda aligns with the cultivation of chanda, viriya, citta, and vĩmaṃsã as dominant guiding principles, supported by padhãna-saṅkhãra (constructive effort); (3) mindfulness-based concentration corresponds to the Four Foundations of Mindfulness (Satipaṭṭhãna), namely body, feelings, mind, and mental phenomena; and (4) systematic concentration corresponds to the threefold training of sĩla (morality), samãdhi (concentration), and paññã (wisdom). Therefore, the classification of these four types of meditation practice is grounded in the Tipiṭaka and its commentaries.