A STUDY ON THE ELIMINATION OF VIPASSANŪPAKKILESA IN THE PRACTICE OF VIPASSANĀ MEDITATION ACCORDING TO THE MAHĀSATIPAṬṬHĀNA SUTTA

Abstract

This doctoral dissertation aimed to: (1) examine the development of the five spiritual faculties in Vipassanā meditation based on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness in Theravāda Buddhist scriptures; (2) investigate the development of the five faculties at Dhamma Moli Meditation Center, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province; and (3) propose a development model for these faculties in the same context. A qualitative methodology was employed, integrating documentary research and fieldwork. Data were analyzed using contextual content analysis.

Findings indicate that the cultivation of faith (saddhā), energy (viriya), mindfulness (sati), concentration (samādhi), and wisdom (paññā) according to the Four Foundations of Mindfulness is a process of balancing mutually supportive faculties, with mindfulness as the central regulator. When balanced, these faculties transform into the five powers (pañca bala) and the seven factors of enlightenment (satta bojjhaṅga), leading to the attainment of the Path, Fruition, and Nibbāna. At Dhamma Moli Meditation Center, a comprehensive system integrates external and internal factors: the seven conducive conditions (sappāya 7) as an external base to minimize hindrances, and the Four Foundations of Mindfulness as the internal framework. The five faculties are adjusted following the Visuddhimagga principle of “increasing what is lacking, reducing what is excessive.” Key features include daily interviews to fine-tune faculty balance and integrating mettā cetovimutti with Vipassanā practice to strengthen faith, reduce hindrances, and foster rapid wisdom-based equanimity. Practical outcomes include reduced hindrances, stable mindfulness, optimal concentration, and firm insight into the Three Characteristics. This study presents the MPIDE Model: M – Methods for Developing (sappāya 7 and Four Foundations of Mindfulness to develop five faculties → five powers → seven factors of enlightenment); P – Practical Highlights (daily interviews for faculty adjustment); I – Innovation Creation (integration of mettā cetovimutti with Vipassanā); D – Doctrinal Consistency (alignment with the 37 Bodhipakkhiya-dhamma); and E – Expected Outcomes (clear practical results: reduced hindrances, stable mindfulness, optimal concentration, and true insight).