A STUDY OF MENTAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE WAT PHO MEDITATION CENTER KHONKEAN PROVINCE

Abstract

     The objectives of this research article were to: 1) study the concept of mental practice in Theravada Buddhism, and 2) study the development of the mental practice of Buddhist Practice Center at Wat Pho, Baan Non tan, Mueang district in Khon Kaen This is a qualitative research and relevant researches plus the study was described by a method of descriptive analysis.

     The result of the study found that mental practicing is to practice Dharma or mental development to grow in virtue, strength and peace. Employing meditation to train the mind to flourish with the consciousness as a controller is the practice of practitioners to be able to perfectly understand the relationship between mind, consciousness and thoughts applying consciousness perceiving six passages of the body in order for bright, clean, calm of the mind. Focusing on practicing mindfulness with the present time whether stand, walk, sit and lay. Mental development is providing quality mental competency. There is currently entrenched in precepts, wisdom and meditation blessed with the Threefold Training (Sikkhāttaya) is the development of their minds with the study of Buddhist theology and Buddhist practice to achieve the enhancement of intelligence information and use such information in everyday life.

     The development of mental training at Wat Pho Non Than is a school that plays a role in mental training for general Buddhists from the past to present, both proactively and passively. By organizing meditation training for monks, novices, laymen, Upasaka, Upasika, students As well as the general public whole year. The lay practitioners have to observe the five or 8 precepts and keep them purified in order to make the mind calm and concentrate more easily. Wat Pho Non Than use the method of defining awareness of mind according to the four foundations of mindfulness which will result in the three principles of precept, concentrate and wisdom to the practitioners easily.