A Study of Marṇānussati for Insight

Abstract

This article aimed to study 1) Marananussati in Buddhist scripture, and 2) Marananussati for Vipassana meditation practice. It was conducted by documentary research, by studying data from Tipitaka and related documents, summarizing, analyzing, and compiled in descriptive style. The research found that Marananussati means constantly being aware of death, it leads to be negligent, not intoxicated with wrong living. There are two types of death: Kalamarana or timely death, and Akalamarana or untimely or unappropriated death. There are four causes of death: Ayukahayamarana or natural death due to the exhaustion of lifespan, Kammakhyanamarana or death due to the exhaustion of actions, Ubhayakhayamarana or death with both of age and action end, and Upacchedamarana or accidental death without the age and action end. Its benefits and results include enabling the mind to attain meditation state faster, preparing for death in advance, and not being negligent in age and life. Mindfulness of death in Vipassana meditation practice entailed that Marananussati practitioners should eliminate the ten worries, such as worries about one’s residence, etc., seeking a compassionate teacher as their guide, and offering themselves as disciples who learn the fundamentals of mindfulness of death. Initially, practitioners must understand the eight manners such as regularly contemplating death as the murder etc. for its progress, contemplating the impermanence of life that the life is not permanent, but death is permanent, life is leading to death as its end. It should be ingrained in the mind and practiced diligently in preparation for death. If one practices consistently every morning and evening, there will be no attachment to the body and life. Cultivating Marananussati is a virtuous practice and serves as a foundation for Vipassana meditation investigation for advance.