GUIDELINES FOR APPLYING THE PRINCIPLES OF THE FOUR FOUNDATIONS OF MINDFULNESS TO DHAMMA PRACTICE WITHIN TEMPLES TO MAINTAIN THE FAITH OF THE PEOPLE IN THE PRESENT ERA

Abstract

This academic article aimed to study how to apply Satipatthana 4, the Four Foundations of Mindfulness to Dhamma practice in monasteries to maintain public faith in the present era. The methodology employed was
a research study of textbooks, books, related research, and a synthesis of the results. The study found that: 1. The current crisis of public faith in monks, in addition to news, stems from inappropriate behavior and conduct among some monks, a lack of adaptation in communicating Dhamma principles to keep up with the times, problems with the integration of beliefs that conflict with Buddhist principles, structural problems in the management of the Sangha institution that are ineffective, and a Dhamma education system that is inconsistent with the modern context. 2. The approach to applying Satipatthana 4, the Four Foundations of Mindfulness to monasteries Dhamma practice emphasized contemplation of the body, regardless of the Vipassana tradition in Thailand. The emphasis was on contemplating the body, including its 32 physical aspects, and contemplating feelings (vedana), the feelings and thoughts arising within. Contemplating the mind involves Samatha and Vipassana meditations, which lead to the realization of the true nature of things. Therefore, the solution to the people’s faith problem is to use the Four Foundations of Mindfulness (Satipatthana 4) to disseminate Buddhism, creating a body of knowledge and enabling the application of Buddhist teachings in various aspects. In addition to being principles that aid in Dhamma practice, the Four Foundations of Mindfulness (Satipatthana 4) also guide the mind to be mindful in daily life. Therefore, to maintain faith or resolve the current crisis, it is necessary to use Satipatthana, the Four Foundations of Mindfulness (Satipatthana 4) as a guideline for application to solve the faith problem and maintain the faith of the people in this modern era.