A Study of Jhana as the Foundation in Vipassana Meditation

Abstract

The thesis focused on: (1) study Jhana in Theravada Buddhist scriptures and 2) study of Vipassana’s objects for Vipassana meditation and 3) study Jhana as the base of Vipassana practice. It was documentary research, conducted by survey the Buddhist scriptures, Tipitaka, Atthakatha and Visuddhimagga text etc., then compiled, reviewed, and presented in a descriptive type. The result found that;

1. Jhana in Buddhist sense refers to the contemplation or burning. Its components are initiated implication, sustained application, rapture, happiness, and one-pointedness. For practice, one must choose any meditative objects which fit to one own character, with complete firm concentration, he will enter first absorption, i.e., in-out breath exercise with skills for advance higher absorption.


2. The insight meditation relies on wisdom’s objects called as Vipassanabhumi, the objects of insight observing which is five aggregates etc., The insight practitioner, with still concentration in Jhana at first, continues insight practice for higher advance of mentality training for the aim of complete realization, the Nibbana attainment.


3. When one, with complete meditation of Upacara or Appamana level, enters the first Jhana as its base, then he quits that Jhana, observing all mental formations from first Jhana upto Nevasaññanasaññayatana stage with skillfulness and focusing on temporary concentration, observing all formed objects arising from six sensual doors, carrying on such objects, then enters into nine insight knowledge, then his complete realization or enlightenment will be obtained through the steps of 16 insight knowledge