A Study of the Contemplation of Feeling in Theravāda Buddhist Scriptures

Abstract

This research paper aims to analyze the concept of Vedanā appearing in Theravāda Buddhist Scriptures using as its object for contemplation leading the mind to attain the enlightenment according to Vipassana cultivation. The data was taken from Buddhist scriptures, namely Tipiṭaka, Aṭṭhakathā, and others concerned. Then it was compiled, explained, and reviewed by experts.

From the study, it was found that Vedanā refers to the sensual feeling arisen through the eyes, the ears, the nose, the tongue, the body and the mind possessed by the living beings. Its arises when contacts of six internal sensual organs, the six external sensual objects, the six consciousness and the six contacts called as Vedanā. As the absolute being, the felling is a kind of mental factors in five Aggregates called Vedanākhandha which is the importance as the life process of all living beings. For insight practice, meditator can contemplate on Vedana or feeling as the objects of contemplation and the base of mindfulness and the clear comprehension which causes the rise of true wisdom realizing Three Characteristics, and leading to abandon all attachment as being, person and self. Vedanā contemplation in Theravada scripture is of 2 aspects:- 1) Indirect contemplation conducted by the Vedana teaching listeners while preached by the Buddha who send their minds along with the essence of teaching, without intensive Vedanā contemplation practice in direct way abandon from defilements and attain the Noble state at different levels, for example, the Pancavaggi-Bhikkhus who got enlightenment after listening to Anattalakkhana Sutta, 2) Direct Vedanā contemplation based on Mahasatipatthansa Sutta called Vedanānupassanāsatipaṭṭhāna seen in the case of Bhikkhu who was bitten by a tiger etc. The advantages of feeling contemplation help reliefs from distorted thought and lethargy and laziness, his mindfulness arose quickly, mind becomes strong without fear of life lost, it finally leads to Arahantaship. The exemplary one was seen in this case of Tissathera, who could endure his painful feeling arising from hitting his two legs with a stone to insist the murders for no escape, he, then contemplated on painful feeling as insight practice until attained Arahantaship in the morning on next day.