Emotional Development Towards Concentration in Theravada Buddhism

Abstract

Emotional development towards meditation in Theravada Buddhism is a process of training the mind that focuses on making the mind calm, cool and mindful in the present in order to control thoughts, feelings and behaviors appropriately. The goal is to change negative emotions, such as desire in the form of tanha, to a desire to know and be good in the form of chanda and change from infatuation in the form of delusion to wisdom that clearly knows the truth. Meditation in Theravada Buddhism is considered an important tool in training the mind and developing emotions. It is intermediate step in the Tri-sikkha (morality, concentration, wisdom) that leads to the emergence of enlightened wisdom. Meditation training in both theory, such as learning the principles of Dhamma, the Four Bases of Power, and the Eightfold Path, and in practice, such as practicing Buddha meditation, developing anapanasati or vipassana meditation, are all important tools for emotional development to create stable and sustainable happiness inside and outside. Meditation training begins with the awearness of information entering the mind through the senses, such as the eyes seeing forms, the ears hearing sounds, which is the emergence of consciousness. When we perceive, we remember(sanya) and connect it with thoughts (sankhara), leading to the synthesis and analysis of information into knowledge. When knowledge is supported by diligence from the four bases of influence: chanda, diligence, citta, and investigation, it will lead to deep understanding and diverse experiences. In addition, the principle of the midle way, or practicing in moderation, not extreme, also helps the mind to be on the middle way. When the mind is trained until it is calm and stable, it will be able to listen to external voices (paratoghosa),such as advice from teachers and use Yoniso-Manasikara thinking,which is the contemplation of cause and effect with wisdom based on mindfulness,resulting in a clear mind with the power to understand life as it really is,leading to effective emotional development and helping to create sustainable well-being at both the individual and societal levels.