พระวิปัสสนาจารย์: วิถีคำสอนและแนวปฏิบัติเพื่อการตื่นรู้ของชาวพุทธไทยและเมียนมาร์

Abstract

This research aimed at an analytical study of the teachings and methods of practice of meditation masters from Thailand and Myanmar with three main objectives – i) to do an analytical study of the unique features in the teachings of six outstanding meditation masters of Thailand and Myanmar, ii) to trace the trajectories of their spiritual roadmaps and methods of practice, and iii) to understand their unique role and assess their impact in terms of psychological benefit and mental development. This is a qualitative research using the ethico-spiritual, philosophical and literary perspective. The scope of the research is limited to the study of six outstanding meditation masters from Thailand and Myanmar. The study encompasses the survey through documents/texts as well as participatory observation of the aspects of preservation and propagation of the great traditions of meditation practice in the monasteries founded by the masters. The research provides an in-depth study of the teachings and meditation methods of three Thai meditation masters namely, Ajahn Chah, Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, and Somdet Aj Asabhamahathera. All the three masters’ teachings, mode of practice as reflected in and through their dhamma practice, way of life, meditation methods and dhamma talks are taken into consideration for an analytical exegesis. It has been found that the great teachings of the Thai meditation masters are bereft of ritualistic excesses and have helped preserve Buddhism in its pure and pristine form. At the same time the teachings seem to go beyond certain contemporary philosophical outlook in their rigorous dismantling of binary thought constructions, especially in the teachings of Ajahn Chah. On the Burmese side, the research makes an in-depth study of the teachings and meditation techniques of Mingun Sayadaw, Taungpulu Sayadaw, and Mahashi Sayadaw. Different meditation techniques of the three masters that are discussed are – the focus on Satipaṭṭhāna by Mingun Sayadaw, the 32 body parts by Taungpulu Sayadaw and the mindfulness cultivation through the focus on the movement of the abdomen and the mental noting of the falling and rising of the movement by Mahasi Sayadaw. It has been found that each of the different techniques is unique and is a powerful way to train the mind to develop mindfulness. Just like the Thai meditation masters, the Burmese masters’ great teachings too are bereft of ritualistic excesses and have greatly helped preserve Buddhism in its pure and pristine form, both in the context of pariyatti as well as patipatti. The research provides some concluding remarks on the benefit the world can reap from the teachings and different meditation methods of both the Thai and Burmese meditation masters and winds up with suggestions for further research.