Abstract

                This research paper had two objectives; to study the essence of the doctrine in Vimuttāyatana Sutta and to study the cause of Enlightenment appearing in Vimuttāyatana Sutta, by studying the data from Theravāda Buddhist Scriptures namely; Tipitaka, its commentaries, Tiga or sub-commentaries and other related scriptures including academic books and research papers then composed, explained in details, corrected and verified by Buddhist scholars.

                The study found that Vimuttāyatana Sutta presents five different causes whereby the mind can be cultivated to reach liberation, in terms of occasions are as follows: (1) listening to the Dharma (2) teaching the Dharma (3) reciting the Dharma (4) contemplating on the Dharma (5) cultivating a certain object of concentration. From each liberations, practitioner must have qualifications of dwelling heedful ardent, resolute and devoted mind in practice. This Sutta contains principle of doctrine as follows; Rapture as an Enlightenment factor and 38 objects of tranquility meditation except the Space-Kasina and the light-Kasina. Rapture as an Enlightenment factor itself has occured from objects of meditation. When listening to the Dharma, teaching the Dharma, reciting the Dharma, contemplating on the Dharma and cultivating a certain object of concentration, Bhikkhu has learned them well, then joys arise in him. Having been joyful, he experiences the rapture. For one with rapturous mind, his body becomes tranquil. One who dwells tranquil feels pleasurably. Having feeling pleasure, his mind becomes concentrated leading to liberation from defilements.

                Listener must make his mind liberated from unwholesomeness by dwelling heedful in listening which causes rapture occurs, and following rapture is an object to cultivate insight meditation until attaining Enlightenment. The objects of concentration which one has learned or well-practiced before in access and attainment concentration which is rapture in Jhāna still appears. If so, practitioner is able to dwell contemplating in rapture by the principle of seven Enlightenment factors in the four foundations of mindfulness. When he attained Jhāna, then left that Jhāna and dwells contemplating in Jhāna consciousness as a Formless and heart-base as a Form, this will increase capability to attain Enlightenment.

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