ANALYSIS OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF APPAMAÑÑÃ TO RAISE TO VIPASSANA MEDITATION

Abstract

This research aims at objectives: (1) to study the development of the Appamaññā in the Theravada Buddhist scriptures, and (2) to analyze how the development of Appamaññā can lead to the practice of Vipassanā meditation. The study employed a documentary research methodology, drawing information from the Pāli Canon, its commentaries, sub-commentaries, and related academic research.

The result found that Appamaññā refers to a state of mind where one’s loving-kindness is cultivated and extended to all beings without limit. Appamaññā consists of Mettā or loving-kindness, Karuṇā or compassion, Muditā or sympathetic joy, and Upekkhā or equanimity. Each of these qualities has specific characteristics and potential pitfalls. When these qualities are cultivated extensively, the mind becomes concentrated, leading to the attainment of Appanā Samādhi or absorption concentration, which is the basis for entering Vipassanā practice. The Appamaññā can lead to the attainment of all the eight Jhāna and even the attainment of Nirodha-samāpatti. The benefits of Appamaññā cultivation are numerous, both on the mundane and supramundane levels. These include peaceful sleep, a brightened mind, and being loved by humans and non-humans, as well as the potential to be reborn in Brahma-world. Furthermore, the cultivation of the Appamaññā serves as a foundation for Vipassanā meditation. Upon emerging from these states of Jhānic absorption, a practitioner can take Jhāna factors as objects for contemplation, viewing them through the lens of the Three Characteristics. This leads to the sequential development of insight knowledge.  Development of Appamaññā as a basis for Vipassanā meditation requires key teachings, such as Four Satipaṭṭhāna, Seven Factors of Enlightenment or Bojjhaṅga, and the attainment of Vijjā and Vimutti. This process ultimately leads to Ubhatobhāga-vimutta-complete liberation from both the defilements through Cetovimutti and ignorance through Paññāvimutti-culminating in the final attainment of Arahantship and Nibbāna.