The present thesis is a case study with respect to an analytical study based on the Kāyagatāsati Sutta of Majjhima Nikāya; in particular to study the Kāyāgatāsati principles which are closely relevant to other sources appearing mainly in the four Nikāyas of the Suttanta Piṭaka. This thesis work has consisted of the following three objectives, namely: (i) To analytically study the concepts of kāyagatāsati and related texts to other sources in the Pali Canon, (ii) To study the development of kāyānupassanā as an approach to the understanding of its reality, and (iii) To analytically compare and contrast the two relative to samatha-vipassanā practices; and apply into the daily life practice so as to achieve its ultimate goal.

             The general concepts of kāyagatāsati related to other sources as appearing in Buddhist texts, either in the Buddhist canonical texts or in the other Buddhist texts, have been analyzed for a better understanding in the way of systematic and academic writing. Through studying in detail, this research work has broadly dealt with a large number of Buddhist doctrines and Pali terms, particularly the Pali terms using in this research work, which are rarely found in the Kāyagatāsati Sutta. Moreover, through carrying on writing the related items, the relevant sources of the certain Buddhist texts, both in the early-canonical texts and the post-canonical literature have been accordingly examined.

             The discovered related data was studied from the discourse itself and other related Buddhist texts as an approach to the clear understanding of reality by means of the development of Buddhist meditations (i.e., the tranquility and insight meditation) through the principles of kāyagatāsati practice. On the other hand, significant data was found in this present work to give a clear comprehension on the applicable aspects based on the discourse and other related texts, particularly in the other two main discourses of the Satipaṭṭhāna described in detail including the contemplation of the physical body (kāyānupassanā) used also as a synonymous term with kāyagatāsati. In order to make sure that my exploration and research work of the Kāyagatāsati Sutta is generally relevant to both theoretical aspects and practical techniques of Buddhist meditations: this research work has found that the kāyagatāsati is basically characterized as various aspects of Buddhist meditation practices, such as the mindfulness of breathing, the bodily postures and daily activities, the four elements of the body, the thirty-two parts of the body, the repulsive nature of the body either internally or externally by way of the nine charnel ground contemplations, etc.

          The kāyagatāsati practice in a correct way may give rise to lots of benefits, that which gained from a suitability of samatha-vipassanā development into a daily life of practice. Thus, with the right understanding of its practical technique, as a good result it will give rise to a supreme fruitfulness and leading to the supreme sense of urgency, to the supreme liberation, to the attainment of insight and vision, and to the real happiness of life here and now. Therefore, this present thesis in chapter V has drawn some suggestions as well for any additional research, which will be a useful and beneficial for future research work.

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