Abstract

This thesis has three objectives; to study enlightenment in Theravada Buddhist scriptures, to study the ten perfections in Theravada Buddhism scripture, and to study the perfection and cultivation enlightenment of Nandathera. 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;

According to Theravada Buddhism, enlightenment referred to principle of wisdom development through insight until realizing four noble truths; suffering, cause of suffering, extinction of suffering and path leading to extinction of suffering entering to nine supramandane; four path, four fruits and one Nibbāna. This practice was insight meditation practice by following four foundations of mindfulness; body, feelings, mind and mental objects focusing on observing name and forms (Nāma-rūpa) as true objects of contemplation until it leaded to enlightenment. Those who got enlightenment was called as Noble One who completely subdued all cankers through path of knowledge were divided into four kinds; stream-entry, once-returner, non-returner and Arahantship.

Accumulation of perfection mean character training and collecting wholesome consciousness involving with evil abandoning, doing good and purifying the mind by following thirty perfections such as giving, morality and renunciation and so on for the purpose of enlightenment in Buddhism. All Buddha, disciples and followers must cultivate these perfections for gaining readiness for realizing the truth at the present through insight development method based on four foundations of mindfulness.

From perfections cultivation and enlightenment of NạndaThera it found that in the time of previous Buddha named Padumuttara, NandaThera had seen the Buddha appointed one Bhikkhu in the positon of “excellence in a guard of faculties” then he made a wish to get the same position in the future. In his last life, he was born as a Sakaya. He had a very comfortable life and tempted by worldly pleasure. The present Buddha gave him an ordination and taught insight practice. Nanda Bhikkhu started to cultivate mindfulness in every moment by observing six faculty doors; eyes, ears, tongue, nose, body, and mind. Finally, he had seen that form-name which was appearing at the present as rise and fall rapidly realizing impermanence, suffering and non-self with great wisdom attaining Arahantship with excellence position as a guard of faculties in Buddhism.

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