A Study of Happiness from Vipassana Meditation Practitioners

Abstract

This research has 2 objectives : 1) the concept of happiness in Theravāda Buddhist cannon, and 2) the happiness derived from the practice of Vipassanā meditation of practitioner. The study is documentary type, based on an analysis of sources including Tipiṭaka, commentaries, sub-commentaries, Visuddhimagga, as well as Buddhist books, articles, and other relevant documents. The collected data were compiled and presented in a descriptive manner.

The findings were that happiness or Sukkha in Theravāda Buddhism is the aim of everyone while common life involves with both happiness and suffering. True happiness is categorized as physical (Kāyika-sukha) and mental (Cetasika-sukha). Other happiness classified by factors includes Sāmissukkha or happiness with objects and Nirāmisasukha or happiness without objects. The core teachings of the Four Noble Truths and Paṭiccasamuppāda explain the arising of suffering due to ignorance and its cessation through realization abandoning of Five Hindrances; sensual pleasure, ill-will, sloth, mental distractions, and doubt, which are the barrier of wisdom progress. Vipassanā meditation refers to insight training for realizing the true state of all phenomena through the Four Foundations of Mindfulness which enables to reach Vipassanāñāṇa abandoning desire and defilements, and gaining lasting happiness and Nibbāna. True happiness arises from a liberated mind from defilements and craving which can be obtained only through continually following insight training and meditation.