Abstract
This study has two aims (1) to investigate Mülakammathãna found in the Tipitaka and (2) to analyze Mülakammatthãna as a skill for Dhamma practice which is a qualitative study emphasizing on the study of documents by collecting data from the Tipitaka, Commentary, texts, and related studies before taking into analysis, and synthesis, and descriptive.
Research result found that Mülakammathãna means the based of mental object of meditation which consists of five items: hairs, fur, nail, teeth, and skin. It is one of the methods used to train the mind of the new monks to be clam and concentrate. It is divided into two types: Parikamma, and the consideration of Kammathãna on those five items which consist of desired and undesired things. The primary key of Mülakammathãna is that it is used as a device to train the minds of the mew monks in order to create concentration and wisdom. A good practice for Mülakammathãna is to choose a suitable place for Dhamma practice because it makes the minds clam and concentrate quickly. Therefore, a good practice must encompass a goal for self execution in order to achieve enlightenment and end of suffering. To achieve such a goal, extensive moral supports e.g., Five Bala etc. are required
Dhamma practice than results in mental development takes place slowly because of obstacles. Therefore, Dhamma practitioners should eliminate these obstacles first by adhering to the principles that are complementary to the practice. Having done this will make the minds clam and concentrate quickly as happened in the time of the Buddha and present that receive benefits from the practice of Mulammathana. Such the benefits are, for example; being patient to dangers, coldness, hotness, and hunger and being the possessor of wisdom and capability of showing supernatural power e.g., ability to discern animals’ and others’ minds etc. With sufficient practice, Mülakammathãna will bring about the enlightenment of intellectual liberation as the whole.
From this analytical study, it was found that the more practice of Mülakammathãna as a skillfull for Dhamma practice, the more benefits e.g., understanding more about the truth of one’s and others’ bodies one will receive. As a consequence, one will no longer cling to his on her own body, has no more sufferings, is unvexed and full of ultimate virtue that is Magga and Nibbãna, the absolute goal of Theravãda Buddhism |