Abstract:
The thesis entitled A Study of the Method of Anenjābhisankhāra Determination for Vipassana Practice was conducted as qualitative research. Its objectives were: 1) to study Anenjābhisankhāra in Theravada Buddhist scriptures, and 2) to study the methods for determining Anenjābhisankhāra for advance Vipassana practice. The research was carried out by collecting preliminary data from the Tipitaka scriptures, commentaries, and related research works. The data was organized, checked for accuracy and reliability by specialized experts. The data was analyzed, synthesized, and its conclusions were summarized. The qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis.
The research findings revealed that: 1) Anenjābhisankhāra refers to a firm state of mind which is not shaken by various types of hindrances called Nivarana. It is a factor of Arūpavacara absorption that relies on the development of moral and intellectual virtues, namely, Kasiṇa meditation, in-out breathing mindfulness or Ānāpānasati, and Formless absorption or Arūpajhāna. This type of formless meditation provides the rise of special knowledge such as five supernatural knowledge etc., it also is the base of rapid development of insight knowledge and enlightenment attainment. If not achieved in this life, the results of such efforts will manifest in future existences. 2) The method for Anenjābhisankhāra determining for advanced Vipassana practice is to cultivate Kasiṇa meditation, in-out breathing mindfulness or Ānāpānasati, and Formless absorption or Arūpajhāna until Arūpajhāna attainment. At this stage, the sensual desires are restrained, but the defilements are not destroyed. Arūpajhāna is Mahaggatacitta or refined and exquisite mental state that brings joys and blissfulness and leads to concentration attachment. However, when this Arūpajhāna has been used as the base for Vipassana development, it is called Samathapubbangamavipassanā or Samatha before Vipassana practice. This refers to the way to observe Nāma and Rūpa by contemplating Jhanas components falling into Three Common Manners or Tilakkhaṇa which can quickly destroy various sensual desires along with the attainment of insight knowledge. It is accompanied by the special qualities such as Three Vijjā, six Abhiññā, Four Paṭtisambhidā and Eight Vijjā. If practitioner reaches the level of the Anagami Ones or the Arahants, he can attain the fruits called Nirodhasamāpatti or cessation attainment.