A Study of Forest Dwelling and Meditation Practice

Abstract

Forest dwelling in the context of Vinaya Piṭaka, indicates the nine types of monk’s dwellings prescribed by the Buddha as forest, tree-root, mountain, mountain-hole, cave, charnel-ground, jungle, open-air, and straw-heap. All these dwellings are called solitude dwellings in which the Buddha himself preferred to stay. Naturally, the forest in the meaning of austere practice, denotes Araññikangadhutanga–forest-dweller’s practice. The forest-dwelling monk is to stay far away from home surrounding areas at least about one kilometer. Forest provides all of atmospheres of solitude, freshness, pleasure, natural beauty of trees and wild animals, mountain, cave, waterfall, river and canals, thus suitable for meditation exercises conforming to foundations of mindfulness.