ABSTRACT

The main objectives of this thesis are: to study the model and practical methods of insight meditation according to Venerable Phrabhodhibanathera(Cha Subhaddo), to study the model and practical methods of insight meditation according to Venerable Phradhammavisudhimongkon (Buabanasampanno), and to do a comparative study of the model and practical methods of those two meditation masters.

                The result of the study found that Venerable Phrabhodhibanathera(Cha Subhaddo) placed the important of morality (Sila) and discipline (Vinaya) in the very first place, because they kept the community of Sangha in harmony and supportive of the spiritual cultivation. By advice of contemplating the noting word of “Buddho”, some might conclude that he focused on tranquility meditation; nevertheless, he also emphasized on the practice of breathing in-out meditation (Anapanasati) in order to keep the practitioners to be mindful. Therefore, all of his model and practical methods were inter-related to each other in which they led one to obtain the right wisdom.

                While, Venerable Phradhammavisudhimongkon (Bua Yanasampanno) stressed that the total goal of higher ordination was liberation (nibbana); only intellectual knowledge of Buddhism could not lead one to realize the truth. Discipline was like a defense for the practitioners; on the other hand, Dhamma was the middle path that should be concerned the most.

                Comparatively, this study found that both meditation masters followed the methods of the Older Venerable Haung-puMun who stressed that only intellectual knowledge of Buddhism could not enlighten a Buddhist practitioner in realizing the truth. Therefore, that kind of knowledge practical engagement should be fulfilled side by side. Moreover, the model and practical methods of insight meditation of those two masters were similar: Venerable Huang-por Cha emphasized on breathing in-out in standing posture, while Venerable Huang-ta Mahabua focused on bodily awareness in standing posture.

                For encountering with the hindrances of meditation practices, Venerable Huang-por Cha presented about the general problems of practicing meditation: breathing and sleepiness. The most effective antidote was controlling faculties (Indriya). While, contemplating on the truth characteristic of the things (Tilakhasana) was the advice of Venerable Huang-ta Mahabua.

                Last but not least, Venerable Huang-por Cha mainly emphasized on insight meditation by contemplating on the noting word of “Buddho” together with being awareness of breathing and bodily movement. While, Venerable Huang-ta Mahabua later focused on tranquility meditation. Evidently, he used to be happy with the practice of tranquility meditation for five years, until he was instructed by Huang-puMun. Thus, he found his way of awaken the wisdom.