This study aimed to 1) study the mental development according to Buddhism and 2) to study the mental development according to Vipassana Practice as prescribed by Phradhammadhiraratmahamunee (Chodok Yanasiddhi). It is a qualitative study along with indepth interviewing the two groups of informants, 1) three pupils of Phradhammadhiraratmahamunee, and 2) ten practitioners of Vipassana at Wat Phrathat srijomthong, Jomthong District, Chiang Mai.

It is found that Buddhism maintains that the mind is forerunner of all things. Being a good or bad person depends on the quality of mind. Therefore, one should develop the mind by means of Tisikkha or the Noble Eightfold Path. A specific method to develop the mind is regarded ‘Satipatthana’ or the four foundations of mindfulness which mainly focuses on contemplation of the body, the feelings, the mind, and the mind-objects, as they really are.

Vipassana Practice, according to Phradhammadhiraratmahamunee, is observing the four foundations of mindfulness by reciting ‘falling-rising’. As the results, one who follows the contemplation of the body is mindful in breathing in and out and motions. One who follows the contemplation of the feelings is mindful in emotions that happened or disappeared, be it happiness, suffering, or neutral, therefore, one is without any attachment in it. One who follows the contemplation of the mind has a clear, firm mind, and mental health. And one who follows the contemplation of the mind-objects can realize things as they really are, without the so called conceptions of an animal, a person, self, I or other.

The aforementioned results can be concluded in two levels, 1) Lokiya level, it brings benefits to daily living such as reducing stress, good manner, clear, calm, cool mind that thinks things rapidly and correctly, and 2) Lokuttara level, if a practitioner proceeds in the training, he or she can achieve different levels of attainments and have a mind which is not shaken by any of the eight worldly conditions, i.e. gain, loss, fame, obscurity, happiness, pain, praise or blame.

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