This dissertation has been conducted to study meditation in Myanmar, the theory and practice, management, and key successes. The objectives of the research are: (1) to study the theoretical doctrine of mindfulness meditation in the Tipiṭaka, (2) to investigate the practical doctrines and management of the mindfulness centre in Myanmar, (3) to analyse key successes and propose a successful development model of the meditation centre in Myanmar. The research methodology is documentary research with participant observations and in-depth interviews. Mahāsī Meditation Centre and Mogok Meditation Centre are interviewed and observed for this research.
The result of the study shows how meditation practice method and meditation centre are affected for practitioners at the above named Myanmar meditation centres. Data are collected on application of meditation skills, based on the four foundations of mindfulness meditation from Tipiṭaka and applied by the two centres and factors that support meditation practice as follow: seven purifications, six kinds of temperament, and things favourable to mental development. Additionally, the study of meditation retreats for local practitioners and foreigners in Myanmar should arrange separate classes at different levels beginners, intermediates and advanced meditation practitioners.
There are many meditation centres in Myanmar which are practicing the four foundations of mindfulness as taught by the Buddha. For last 18th century, the idea of establishing meditation began. The Venerable Mingun Sayādaw (1869-1954) started establishing meditation centre with the help of supporters in Myo-Hla in 1911. He was the first monk who had the idea to organize group meditation course. There also provides food, living, and giving the method how to practice meditation in order to gain benefits rightly. To attain insight knowledge, having a suitable place is important too. Therefore, meditation centres are helpful in gaining insight knowledge for the practitioners.
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