MEDITATION IN MYANMAR: THE THEORY AND PRACTICE, MANAGEMENT, AND KEY SUCCESSES Venerable Vimala A Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Buddhist Studies) Graduate School Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University C.E. 2018 Meditation in Myanmar: The Theory and Practice, Management, and Key Successes Venerable Vimala A Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Buddhist Studies) Graduate School Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University C.E. 2018 (Copyright of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University) i Dissertation Title : Meditation in Myanmar: The Theory and Practice, Management, and Key Successes Researcher : Venerable Vimala Degree : Doctor of Philosophy (Buddhist Studies) Dissertation Supervisory Committee : Dr. Soontaraporn Techapalokul. B.A. (Quantitative Economics), M.A. (Economics), M.S. (Telecommunications), Ph.D. (Buddhist Studies) : Ven. Asst. Prof. Dr. Walmoruwe Piyaratana B.A. (Pali), M.A. (Buddhist Studies), Ph.D. (Buddhist Studies) Date of Completion : March 10 2019 Abstract 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 ii 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. Since 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. iii Acknowledgements I would like to express deep appreciation to all those who have helped me this Dissertation to reach its goal in various ways. First of all, I am greatly grateful to Dr. Soontaraporn Techapalokul, my Dissertation chairperson who is a guiding teacher and supervisor as well as an Examining Committee member of my Dissertation defended at International Buddhist Studies College, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Thailand, who has kindly given an unfailing assistance for providing and making possible viewpoints, for her care, and for her patience that has devoted to the task of guidance and supervision of the entire paper. It would have been impossible for me to have written this Dissertation without her help. I extend my thanks to Asst. Prof. Dr. Venerable Walmoruwe Piyaratana, Vice- Chairperson of my Dissertation for his generous mind for my research. A special thanks to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phramaha Dhammahaso, Director of the International Buddhist Studies Collage. My Thanks also go to the Lectures and staff of IBSC. Finally, it is a great pleasure to express my thanks to my beloved parents U Khit and Daw Po Kyi who support me. I also would like to express many thanks to U Than Oo and Daw Myint Than and all my supporters. Venerable Vimala March 10 2019 iv Abbreviations D : Dīghanikāya M : Majjimanikāya S : Saṁyuttanikāya A : Aṅguttaranikāya VbhA : Vibhaṅgaaṭṭhakathā Vbh : Vibhaṅga ibid. : ibidem/ in the same place or book which has been ‘‘cited just before’’ op.cit. : opere citato / as referred (to the prior reference by the same author) p./pp. : page / pages CE. : Common Era (appears ‘after’ the date ed. / (eds.) : edited by / editor(s) tran./trans. : translated by / translator(s) PTS. : Pali Text Society Vol : volume v Contents Pages Abstract i Acknowledgement iii List of Abbreviation iv Table of Content v List of Table x List of Picture xii CHAPTER I: Introduction 1 1.1 Background and Significance of the Problem 3 1.2 Objectives of the Research 3 1.3 Statement of the Problems Desired to Know 4 1.4 Scope of the Research 4 1.5 Definition of the Terms Used in the Research 5 1.6 Review of Related Literature and the Research Works 7 1.7 Research Methodology 13 1.8 Conceptual Framework 14 1.9 Advantages Expected to Obtain from the Research 15 CHAPTER II: The Theoretical Doctrine of Mindfulness Meditation in Tipiṭaka 16 2.1 Background and Signification of Mindfulness Meditation 16 2.2 Significance of Mindfulness Meditation 19 2.3 Mindfulness Meditation in Suttanta Piṭaka 20 2.3.1 Contemplating of the Body 22 2.3.2 Contemplating of the Feeling 25 2.3.3 Contemplating of Mind 28 2.3.4 Contemplation of Mind-Objects 30 2.4 Mindfulness Meditation in Abhidhamma Piṭaka 40 vi 2.4.1 The Contemplation of the Body 43 2.4.2 The Contemplation of Feelings 45 2.4.3 The Contemplation of the Consciousness 46 2.4.4 The Contemplation of Mind- Objects 47 2.5 Mindfulness Meditation in Paṭisaṁbhidāmagga Pāḷi 50 2.6 Dependent Origination 52 2.7 The Seven Purifications and The Sixteen stages of Knowledge 54 2.8 Temperaments and Meditation Objects 63 2.9 The Classification of Meditation Objects 65 2.10 Beneficial and Advantageous Conditions for Practitioners 67 2.10.1 Suitable Abode (Āvāsasappāya) 67 2.10.2 Suitable Resort (Gocarasappāya) 69 2.10.3 Suitable Speech (Bhassasappāya) 71 2.10.4 Suitable Persons (Puggalasappāya) 75 2.10.5 Suitable Food (Bhojanasappāya) 77 2.10.6 Suitable Climate (Utusappāya) 78 2.10.7 Suitable Postures (Iriyāpathasappāya) 79 2.11 The Final Goal of Meditation 80 2.12 Benefits of vipassanā Meditation Practice 81 2.13 Concluding Remarks 83 CHAPTER III: The Practical Doctrine and Management of the meditation centres in Myanmar 84 3.1 Mahāsī Meditation Centre in Myanmar 85 3.1.1 Mahāsī Meditation Centre Background 86 3.1.2 Factors Supporting Meditation Retreat 88 3.1.3 The Founder 93 3.1.4 The Present Master 97 3.1.5 Method of Meditation 98 3.1.6 Management of Administration 111 3.2 Analysis of Mahāsī Meditation Centre Based on vii Theravāda Buddhism 114 3.2.1 Analysis of Meditation Method 114 3.2.2 Analysis of Beneficial Factors for the Meditation centre 115 3.3 Analysis of Result of Interviews 120 Analysis of the Reason Why the Practitioners Practice Meditation at This Centre 120 3.4 Analysis of Result of Meditation 122 3.4.1 Analysis of Impressive Factors About Retreat 122 3.4.2 Analysis of the Benefits or Changes After Attending the Retreat 124 3.4.3 Analysis of Meditation Experience 126 3.5 Rules for the yogis 128 3.6 Schedule 129 3.2 Mogok Meditation Centre in Myanmar 131 3.2.1 Background 131 3.2.2 Factors Supporting the Mogok Meditation Retreat 133 3.2.3 The Founder 138 3.2.4 The Present Master 144 3.2.5 Method of Meditation 145 3.2.6 Management of Administration 158 3.3 Analysis of Mogok Meditation Centre Based on Theravāda Buddhism 161 3.3.1 Analysis of Meditation Teachings 161 3.3.2 Analysis of Beneficial Factors for the Mogok Meditation centre 162 3.4 Analysis of Result of Interviews 166 Analysis of the Reason why the Practitioners Practice Meditation at This Centre 166 3.5 Analysis of Result of Meditation 168 3.5.1 Analysis of Impressive Factors About Retreat 168 3.5.2 Analysis of the Benefits or Changes After Attending the Retreat 169 viii 3.5.3 Analysis of Meditation Experience 173 3.5.4 Rules and Regulations of Meditation Centre 174 3.6 Schedule 175 3.7 Concluding Remarks 177 CHAPTER IV: Key Successes and A Successful Development model of the Meditation Centre in Myanmar 179 4.1 SWOT Analysis of Meditation Centres 179 4.2 SWOT analysis of Mahāsī Meditation Centre 179 4.3 SWOT analysis of Mogok Meditation Centre 187 4.4 Key Successes of the Centres 192 4.5 Guideline Models for Meditation Retreat for Local and International Practitioners. 193 4.5.1 Guideline Model for Beginners 193 4.5.2 Factor Favourable for Beginners 194 4.5.3 Guideline Model for Intermediate 195 4.5.4 Factor Favourable for the Intermediate 195 4.5.5 Guideline Model for Advanced Level 196 4.5.6 Factor Favourable for Advanced Level 196 4.6 Development of successful meditation model 197 4.7 Conclusion Remarks 199 CHAPTER V: Conclusion and Suggestions 200 5.1 Conclusion 200 5.2 Suggestions 202 5.2.1 Suggestion for Meditation Centre 202 5.2.2 Suggestion for Further Research 202 Bibliography 204 Appendix 209 Appendix A: Invitation Letters to Key-Informants for the In-depth interview 210 ix Appendix B: Interview Questions 212 Appendix C: