An Analytical Study of the Ten Perceptions (Saññā) in the Girimānanda Sutta:The Ten Perceptions (Saññā) Buddhist Principles of Medicine for Mental Healing

Abstract

This research article was a part of the thesis titled “An Analytical Study of the Ten Perceptions (Saññā) in the GIRIMĀNANDA Sutta.” Has three objectives: 1) to study the structure and essence of the Girimānanda Sutta; 2) to study the ten saññās in the Girimānanda Sutta; 3) to analyze the ten saññās in the Girimānanda Sutta. The research results found that the Girimānanda Sutta emphasizes the use of the ten perceptions as a method for mental healing and alleviating suffering among patients. The teachings in this sutta align with the Three Characteristics (Tilakkhaṇa)—impermanence (Aniccatā), suffering (Dukkhata), and non-self (Anattatā), which provide patients with a framework to understand the nature of illness and reduce anxiety.A Buddhist analytical perspective indicates that the ten perceptions play a crucial role in transforming patients’ perspectives on illness by fostering mental tranquility through mindfulness of breathing (Ānāpānasati) and contemplation of conditioned phenomena (Saṅkhāra). Furthermore, the concept of Dhamma Medicine (Dhamma-osatha) – using Buddhist teachings as a remedy for the mind-demonstrates that cultivating mindfulness and wisdom can enable patients to face illness with awareness and a deeper understanding of life’s impermanent nature. This study concludes that the ten perceptions in the Girimānanda Sutta offer a practical approach to mental well-being in contemporary patient care, particularly in the dimensions of mindfulness meditation for emotional relief and developing a positive outlook on illness. These findings can be applied in Buddhist psychotherapy and holistic patient care, fostering both mental and physical well-being.