An Analytical Study of the Mental Development according to Maraṇassati-Sutta

Abstract

This research article has objectives: 1) to study the mental development in the Tipiṭaka, 2) to study the structure and essence of the Maraṇassati-Sutta, and 3) to analyze the mental development according to Maraṇassati-Sutta. This research is documentary research. The researcher aims to study and analyze data from the Tripitaka, Commentary, and Buddhist literature.

The results of the study found that: 1. Practicing mental development is an important process that will lead to the end of defilements and āsavas. Mental development is the enhancement of mental quality. By applying the principles of samatha, vipassana, three-sikkha and mahasatipatthana in developing it. The mind will be steady and mindful. 2. The structures of Maraṇassati-Sutta have three kinds; 1) Consciousness in remembering the uncertainty of life, 2) Sadness in living carelessly, 3) Constantly remembering death. The four principles concerning the Maraṇassati-Sutta are 1) Abhiṇhapaccavekkhaṇa-Sutta: Discourse on things for frequent contemplation, 2) Idappaccayatā: the nature of specific conditionality, 3) Yonisomanasikāra: reasoned attention, and 4) Asubha-kammaṭṭhāna: reflection on impurity. These principles were the way to practice for achieving the goal of the cessation of suffering.

3.The development of body and mind according to Buddhist principles was the mental development, the mental security for the reflection of death meditation. It was calm and free from suffering, and understanding the truth of life and change. It was realized that what a thing had arisen as the law of nature, we do not have to rejoice and regret. Because that is the truth we have to realize, understand, and know how to keep our mind from suffering, aging, pain, and death that had arisen with us. So, holding the development of mindfulness of death is being mindful of reflection of death to oneself and others, it is a reminder not to be careless in doing good deeds. Mental Development according to Maraṇassati-Sutta can be applied to (1) develop mindfulness to preserve the body be mindful of death in every posture, understand and know how to keep the mind from suffering, (2) Considering the body to attainment, Consideration of bodily instability achieve Nirvana.