An Analytical Study of the Sattaṭṭhāna Sutta for the Practice of Vipassanā Meditation

Abstract

The objectives of this research are 1) to study the structure and essential content of the Sattaṭṭhāna Sutta, 2) to study the Sattaṭṭhāna Sutta for practicing Vipassanā meditation, and 3) to analyze the Sattaṭṭhāna Sutta for the practice of Vipassanā meditation.

The result of the study found that the Sattaṭṭhāna Sutta was found in the Saṃyutta Nikāya, which is a discourse on the seven aspects, with essential content in which the Buddha explains the contemplation of the five aggregates through these seven aspects and three methods of contemplation through; contemplation as Elements (Dhātu), contemplation as Sense Bases (Āyatana), and contemplation as Dependent Origination (Paṭiccasamuppāda). These teachings were delivered according to the Buddha's own disposition and constitute a narrative discourse (Niddāna-vacana).

The study of the Sattaṭṭhāna Sutta for practicing Vipassanā meditation found that 1) clear comprehension of the five aggregates (Khanda), 2) understanding the arising of the five aggregates, 3) understanding the cessation of the five aggregates, 4) the path leading to the cessation of the five aggregates, 5) the benefits of the five aggregates, 6) the dangers of the five aggregates, and 7) the escape from the five aggregates. And three methods of contemplation namely 1) contemplating them as elements, 2) as sense bases, and 3) as dependent origination.

The analysis of the Sattaṭṭhāna Sutta for practicing Vipassanā meditation found that 1) clear comprehension of the five aggregates as impermanent, suffering, and non-self,  2) the arising of the five aggregates through delight and attachment, 3) the cessation of the five aggregates through non-delight, non-attachment, and non-clinging, 4) the path leading to the cessation of the five aggregates, which is the Truth of Path (Magga-sacca), 5) the benefits of the five aggregates, which is the Truth of the Origin of Suffering (Samudaya-sacca), 6) the dangers of the five aggregates, which is the Truth of Suffering (Dukkha-sacca); and 7) the means of liberation from the five aggregates, which is the Truth of Cessation (Nirodha-sacca). Furthermore, there is analysis three methods of the contemplation of elements, sense bases, and dependent origination, which is the practice of Vipassanā meditation for attaining Enlightenment (Magga), fruition (Phala), and Nibbāna.