THE FOUR FOUNDATIONS OF MINDFULNESS : A COMPARISON OF MEDITATION PRACTICE IN THAILAND AND MYANMAR

Abstract

This academic article focuses on studying the Four Foundations of Mindfulness and comparing meditation practice in Thailand and Burma. From the study of concepts, books, textbooks, and from the synthesis and analysis by the author, it was found that 1. In Thailand, there are 5 major schools of meditation practice in Thailand, consisting of 1. Phuttho school, which has a teaching format based on the teachings of Luang Pu Man Phurithatto. 2. Anapanasati school, which has a teaching format based on the teachings of Phra Dhammakosajarn (Buddhadasa Bhikkhu). 3. Iriyapathapappa school or Yub No Pong No school, which has a teaching format based on the teachings of Phra Sobhon Maha Thera (Maha Si Sayado). 4. The practice school, with form and name as objects, has a teaching format based on the teachings of Ajarn Naeb Maha Niranont. 5. Samma Arahang school, which has a teaching format based on the teachings of Phra Mongkolthepmuni (Sodh Chanthosaro). However, what they have in common is the use of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness as the main teaching principle, that is, the Four Foundations of Mindfulness. There are many Vipassana and Meditation schools, especially influential practice schools. And widely accepted in the practice of Vipassana meditation, namely 1) Maha Sisayadaw Institute, which was founded by Sobhon Mahagre or Maha Lee Sayadaw 2) Goenka Institute, which was inherited from Lady Sayadaw lineage. This institute gave rise to the "Lay Vipassana Movement", meaning the leaders of the propagation and practice can be laymen. It is a dimension of meditation practice in a lay way, which is called the Lay Vipassana Movement. The similarities and differences are only in the methods. The aim is the same, which is the Four Foundations of Mindfulness.