This Thesis entitled “A Study of Unwholesome Minds in Insight Meditation Practice” is of 3 objectives as (1) to study the unwholesome minds in Thēravāda Buddhist Scriptures, (2) to study the practice of Insight Meditation and (3) to study the unwholesome minds in Insight Meditation practice. The research methodology is based on references of Buddhist Scriptures Tipitaka, Atthakāthā, Visuddhimagga, research works, books on Buddhism, are clarified and be verified by Buddhist scholars.

                 The study found that the 3 features of unwholesome minds are greed, hatred and delusion. They are harmful, ill will, called as a sin, cause to reborn in 4 misery realms and fall in circle of rebirth. The way to get rid of unwholesome minds, practitioner must be mindful to aware while the unwholesome minds arising and use wisdom in Dhammānpassanā Satipatthāna to eliminate the defilements each time step by step, until the unwholesome minds be absolutely extirpated, enlightened to Nirvāna.

                 From the study “The practice of Insight Meditation” found that Vipassanā Bhāvanā means the systematic development of insight through the meditation technique of observing the reality of oneself by observing sensations within the body at present moment of the impermanence, suffering and non-self according to the Four Foundations of Mindfulness which is the only path that the Buddha said can reach  to Nirvāna.

                 From the study “The unwholesome minds in Insight Meditation practice”  found that the unwholesome minds are the cause that hinder the practice through the Noble Eight Fold Path which is the way to liberation. The rules in Cittānupassanā Satipatthāna aimed for practitioner to be mindful in observing one’s own mind while greed, hatred, delusion arises at that present moment. Concentration and wisdom which have been skillfully well practiced can realize Dhamma leading to reach the highest level of enlightenment and be free from suffering, the circle of rebirth.

Download