AN APPLICATION OF SATIPATTHANA IV OF DHAMMA PRACTICE OF BUDDHISTS IN KHOKKWANG SUB-DISTRICT, BUNGKLA DISTRICT, BUENGKAN PROVINCE

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the concept of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness (Mahāsatipaṭṭhāna) in the Theravāda Buddhist scripture, to examine the current situation of Buddhist practice in the upper area of Bueng Kan province, the province in the northeast plateau of Thailand, and to study the application of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness in Buddhist practice in the area. The data in this study was employed through documentary analysis and in-depth interviews, using a qualitative research methodology. The result indicated that one of the most fundamental concepts for practice in the Buddhist tradition is mindfulness. Mahāsatipaṭṭhāna Sutta, the great discourse on the establishing of awareness, is the practical approach for developing self-knowledge to extinguish all suffering and to realize liberation, the ultimate peace of mankind through Kāyānupassanā Satipaṭṭhāna (contemplation on the body), Vedanānupassanā Satipaṭṭhāna (contemplation on the sensations), Cittānupassanā Satipaṭṭhāna (contemplation on the mind), and Dhammānupassanā Satipaṭṭhāna (contemplation on the mind-objects). The majority of dharma practitioners in the study area currently understand and are conscious of the four foundations of mindfulness, which include training the mind to know things as they are, engaging in walking and sitting meditations to contemplate on the body, sensations, mind, and mind-objects, and also use mindfulness to put practical principles into practice for quality living. The Four Foundations of Mindfulness has been applied by Dharma practitioners in the study area to evoke self-development in a range of dimensions, including physical, mental, intellectual, and social, as holistic well-being. Moreover, it can be utilized in society today in daily life, family, and occupation as well as harmonious coexistence in community and society.