Mahasi Sayadaw meditation practice in Thai society

Abstract

To study the history and development of Mahasi Sayadaw meditation practice in Thailand and present a profile of the meditation centers and practitioners who have adopted Mahasi meditation method in Thailand. The thesis selects to study the profile of four meditation centers adopting Mahasi meditation method: Wat Mahadhatu in Bangkok, Wat Vivekasom in Chonburi, Dhammodaya Chanmyay Meditation Center in Nakorn Pathom, and the Young Buddhists Association of Thailand (TBAT) in Bangkok. Information concerning meditation courses, meditation masters at the meditation centers and also background information of meditation practitioners was collected. The thesis also uses questionnaires and conducts in-depth interview with practitioners adopting Mahasi Sayadaw method. The questions inquire about personal background and meditation background of the practitioners, reasons for adopting Mahasi meditation method, benefits and expectations of practitioners from practicing Mahasi method. The analysis of the profile of the meditators practicing Mahasi meditation at the four meditation centers reveals the following aspects. The backgrounds of the majority of the practitioners tend to be educated, middle classed and working in the business sector; female is outnumbered than men. The reasons for adopting Mahasi method are because people believe that this method will provide spiritual development for them and lead them to attain Nibbana. People think they gain benefits from this meditation practice by having more awareness, consciousness and concentration and also having intellectual mind in solving problems in life. Experiences from practicing Mahasi meditation inspire them to learn more about Buddhism.