Abstract

                 This thesis is of three objectives, they are, 1) to study insight development (Vipassanābhāvanā) in Theravāda Buddhist scriptures, 2) to study of Nibbāna in Theravāda Buddhist scriptures, 3) to study insight development for Nibbāna realization. Clarified and analyzed data were taken from the Theravāda Buddhist scriptures namely, Tipitaka, commentaries on Tipitaka, Tiga or sub-commentaries and other related scriptures. These collected data then had been composed, described in details and finally verified by Buddhist scholars and experts.

From the study it found that Insight Meditation or Vipassanābhāvanā was the distinctive method of practice for concentration of mind in Buddhism. It aimed at Nibbāna attainment by realizing the true nature of all phenomena as they really are which are called as name and forms (Nāma-rūpa). There are two methods of practice for concentration of mind; (1) Samathabhāvanā or tranquility development (2) Vipassanābhāvanā or insight development. The first refers to training course for tranquility of mind while the second is a special practice of mind for Nibbāna realizing which found only in Buddhism. The Vipassanābhāvanā will lead those who follow it to final enlightenment by realization of four noble truths (Ariyasacca).           

Nibbāna in the true sense of Buddhism referred to unconditioned state of mind called as Visaṅkhāra which is beyond five aggregate attachments. It can be achieved by cessation of all desires for aggregate clinging. Nibbāna by the absolute meaning was the state of mind without greed (Rāga), aversion or hatred (Dosa) and ignorance or illusion (Moha). Those who had attained Nibbāna would completely uproot ignorance (Avijjā) and all defilements (kilesa). Their mind will be perfectly liberated, freed from all disturbances and reached the unconditioned bliss.

          The practice of Vipassanābhāvanā for realization of Nibbāna requires the practice as found in principle of four foundations of mindfulness or Satipaṭṭhāna. The purpose of Insight was to reach Maggacitta. Wisdom in Magga-citta or consciousness belonging to the path will observe the rise and fall of name and forms (Nāma-rūpa) as they really are. In functioning of noble truth (Ariyasacca-kicca), path-knowledge (Maggañāṇa) considers name and forms as suffering. Advance of insight meditation depends on faculties (Indriya) in each person. After realizing name and forms as they are, mind will detach from all formations reaching enlightenment or extinction respectively. This state of extinction was called as Nirodha which means the cessation of all suffering,  ceasing all formations, releasing from defilements, end of desire, subduing all lust, state of peace and enlightenment. By the manner of enlightenment, the mind  will attain four path-knowledge i.e. the path-knowledge of stream-entry, the path-knowledge of once-returning, the path-knowledge of non-return, the path-knowledge of Arahantaship. Following such insight meditation will reach  enlightenment which is final state of perfection in Buddhism.

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