Abstract

This qualitative thesis is of three objectives namely; (i) to study the meaning of kāyagatāsati in Theravāda Buddhism. (ii) To study the significance and benefits of kāyagatāsati in Theravāda Buddhism. And (iii) To apply kāyagatāsati in daily life of the modern society. This is a study based on kāyagatāsati sutta and the first part of the satipaṭṭhana sutta the contemplation on body especially focused on the repulsiveness which is corresponds with dukkha in four noble truths.

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From the study it is found that contemplation on the body means being ardent of mindfulness with own self and as well as others the materials what constitutes the physical body. It is a great method of meditation contemplating on repulsiveness and loathsomeness that brings a great benefit of beings to know about the reality of the physical forms. One should accept and consider the reality that one’s body is eventually subject to be changed. The body is made of the four materials. And this is instantly changeable. Consequently the death is inevitable so that one’s mind should not suffer through grief, anger, hatred depression, worry, fear, anxieties and should not hold on ego. Moreover, one should remember and remind oneself that oneday one’s body will be decaying and dying subsequently. The mindfulness with contemplation on body teaches to be agreed with this condition of life smoothly. And also this thought can greatly helps one to be mindful, not to be careless and to be heedful in living one’s life so that one will be much more diligent in practicing good deeds (kusala).

Contemplation on body is a mindfulness which bears the wisdom that is able to extinguish afflictions and bring about mental purity and enlightenment. kāyagatāsati plays a very great role in the daily life of modern society. Because the human beings are running behind the worldly pleasures in today’s world where there is less values of loving kindness, dignity, and full of intolerant and lack of trust. Here is the dukkha peoples fail to understand. So my study here mainly focused on it.