Abstract

This research had three objectives: (1) to study the contemplation of the feelings in Theravada Buddhist Scripture, (2) to study the doctrine that supports the contemplation of the feelings in Theravada Buddhist Scripture, and (3) to study the merits in the contemplation of the feelings for social and life development.

Contemplation of the Feelings in Theravada Buddhist Scriptures.  The study found that in Suttantapitaka the contemplation of the feelings appeared in many forms and in many Sutras, such as in the Five Groups of Existence. The definition of contemplation in the Commentaries involves being fully aware of the feelings in the beginning, in the middle, and in the end. It is therefore momentary. The importance of the contemplation of the feelings is to be constantly aware of the feelings. The contemplated feelings were divided into three types: (1) Pleasant Feeling, (2) Unpleasant Feeling, and (3) Neutral Feeling. The Four Foundations of Mindfulness has 4 levels:  physical component, sensations, mind, and Dhamma or Nature of Things, all of which can be summed up into Name and Form, or set of mental and material quality that occur, remain, and terminate according to Buddhist teachings.

The Dhamma or doctrine that relates to and supports the contemplation of the feelings.  The Dhamma or doctrine that relates to and supports the contemplation of the feelings was found to have divided into two types: (1) The doctrine that relates to the contemplation of the feelings and its importance for the concentration such as awareness, patience, persistence, and knowing or understanding the thoughts from moment to moment, (2) The factors that encourage the contemplation of the feelings are the 37 Enlightenment Factors.

The meritorious results of the contemplation of feelings for social and life development. It is imperative for both laity and priests to practice the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, especially the contemplation of feelings, in order to gain the meritorious results which will benefit both the practitioner and others physically and mentally. That is to say, living with awareness of what is going on in our body and mind is a correct way to a happy, successful, and enlightened life.