Abstract

This thesis has three objectives; to study faith in Theravada Buddhist Scriptures, to study faith in Samatha Meditation Practice, and to study faith in Vipassana Meditation Practice. Clarified data are taken from the Theravada Buddhist scriptures and other related documents, then composed, summarized, analyzed, explained in details, corrected and verified by Buddhist scholars. From the study it found that;

In Thevarada Buddhist scriptures, faith is the primary Dhamma factor of Samatha and Vipassana Meditation. By focusing on the faith names “Saddhāñānasampayutta” (faith combines with wisdom and selective decision) which can be divided into two groups of character: the first group of faith from the faith develop object of six Anussati (recollection) those improve brightness of mind condition. Advantages for non-glooming of consciousness or peaceful of consciousness which is the faith in Samatha Meditation, for the other faith is the equanimity of mind. Mind assures at the present confronting natural phenomenon until the arising of determination. Persists with that natural phenomenon (pakkhandharasā = straight forward) until the mind can get on Vipassana track by knowing those natural phenomenon which is the faith in Vipassana Meditation practicing.

In Samatha Meditation Practice, faith is a support factor for persistence, peacefulness and concentration arising in mind. Clearly appears as one of six carita (personal behavior characteristics): Saddhā-carita (faithful temperament) which is the selection of practitioners’ behavior in accordance with Samatha Meditation. Kammaṭṭhāna those suit for faithful temperament person are six recollections:
1) Bhddhānussati: recollection of the Buddha, 2) Dhammānussati: recollection of the Dhamma, 3) Saṅghānussati: recollection of the Sangha, 4) Sīlānussati: recollection of morality, 5) Cāgānussati: recollection of liberality, and 6) Devatānussati: recollection of deities.

In Vipassana Meditation Practice, faith appears outstandingly as Saddhindriya (faith faculty) of twenty two Indriya (faculties), combines with Saddhācetasika (faith mental factor) in nineteen Sobhaṇa-sādāraṇacetasika (universal beautiful mental factors) which is Vipassana sense-object: Vipassanabhūmi. At the same time, faith is also an enlightenment equipment, called the Bodhipakkhiya-dhamma manifests as Saddhindriya (confidence) in five Indriya (controlling faculty) and Saddhabala (confidence power) in five Bala (power). Which is a Dhamma factor leads to the development of being free from sufferings, to be a Noble Person of Saddhānusaārī: the one who gone with faith and Saddhāvimutta: liberated by faith. Absolutely understands the Noble Truth.

Download