This thesis was conducted for three objectives; 1) to study the enlightenment in Theravada Buddhism, 2) to study the way of practice for enlightenment in Theravada Buddhism, 3) to study of previous accumulated perfection (Pārami) for enlightenment of Ven. Mahakappina Thera from Theravāda Buddhist scriptures. Clarified and analyzed data were taken from the Theravāda Buddhist scriptures namely; Tipitaka, commentaries on Tipitaka, Tiga or sub-commentaries and other related scriptures. These collected data then had been composed, described in details and finally verified by Buddhist scholars and experts.

From the study, it found that the enlightenment means Nibbana attainment of the Noble One of any class; Sotāpanna (Stream- enterer), Sakadāgāmi (Once-returner), Anagami (Non-returner) and Arahantaship. Those who attained the states of the Noble Ones realized the four noble truths and entered nine supermundane states (Lokuttara), namely: four path (Magga), four fruits (Phala), and one Nibbāna. The four paths will destroy the underlying tendencies (Anusaya). The four fruits are of Nibbāna as its temperament. Nibbāna is the final state of extinguishing all defilements and sufferings. This state is perfect bliss and peace in Buddhism.

The practice for Nibbāna attainment in Theravada Buddhism is to follow Insight meditation. There were two methods of practice, namely; 1) Samathayānika,     2) Vipassanāyānika. The first means the practice of Vipassanā by using the tranquility (Samatha) as base. It causes arising of five skills in entering to the components of trance (Jhāṇa) i.e. initial application (Vitaka), sustained application (Vicāra), rapture (Pīti), happiness (Sukkha) and  unity (Ekaggatā). When the mind comes out from tranquility, the practitioner can see the state of three characteristics; impermanence (Anicca), suffering (Dukkha) and non-self (Anattā). The second called as Vipassanāyānika which means the person who practices only insight with the help of temporary concentration with present temperament which is development of wisdom to realize the true nature of forms and name (Nāma-rūpa) as they are called Vipassanā-Bhūmi which are the five aggregates, the twelve contact bases, eighteen elements, twelve faculties, the four noble truths and twelve dependent origination (Paṭiccasamuppāda) through the process of the practice of the four foundations of mindfulness (Satipaṭṭhāna).

In the story of merit accumulation, Ven. Mahakappina Thera had given the offerings to the past Buddha named Padumuttara with his great disciples and received prediction as he will receive the excellent position in delivering the teaching to the monks at time of Gotama Buddha. Ven. Mahakappina Thera attained Sotāpanna after listening Anupubbikathā or a gradual instruction and the Four Noble Truths. While listening the teaching of Buddha, he had got enlightenment and was ordained as Bhikkhu. Having listened teaching in the second time he found the right view which turns to noble path, attained the enlightenment and became an Arahantaship.

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