A Study of the Kāyagatāsati Sutta and Related Texts Concerning Buddhist Practice

By

Meas Savoeun (Sumedho)

A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of The Requirement for the Degree of Master of Arts ()

International Master Degree of Arts Programme Graduate School Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University Bangkok, Thailand B.E. 2553-C.E. 2010 A Study of the Kāyagatāsati Sutta and Related Texts Concerning Practice

By

Meas Savoeun (Sumedho)

A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of The Requirement for the Degree of Master of Arts (Buddhist Studies)

International Master Degree of Arts Programme Graduate School Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University Bangkok, Thailand B.E. 2553-C.E. 2010

(Copyright of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University) i ii

Thesis Title : A Study of the Kāyagatāsati Sutta and Related Texts Concerning Buddhist Meditation Practice

Researcher : Meas Savoeun (Sumedho) Degree : Master of Arts (Buddhist Studies) Thesis Supervisory Committee: Assist. Prof. Dr. Phra Suthithammanuwat IX, M.A., Ph.D. : Dr. Phra Srisitthimuni Pali IX, M.A., Ph.D. : Phra Rajasitthimuni Pali IX, M.A. Date of Graduation : 23/08/2010

Abstract

The present thesis is a case study with respect to an analytical study based on the Kāyagatāsati Sutta of ; 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 - 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 , 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. iii

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 (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 Budd