Implementasi Meditasi Vipassanā Bhāvanā dalam Pembinaan Spiritualitas Umat Buddha di Abhisamaya Forest Monastery

Vipassanā bhāvanā, a core Theravāda Buddhist meditation practice, is implemented at Abhisayama Forest Monastery through a structured process including mindfulness of breathing, sitting and walking meditation, mental noting, noble silence, Dhamma talks, and meditation interviews. A descriptive qualitative case study involving two monk guides and nine participants found that a conducive forest environment, teacher guidance, disciplined schedules, and adequate facilities support practice. Participants faced obstacles such as bodily pain, drowsiness, wandering thoughts, mosquitoes, weather, and uneven paths. The practice appears to strengthen self-awareness, inner calm, emotional regulation, and positive daily-life attitudes, suggesting structured vipassanā in a forest monastery can foster Buddhist spiritual development.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Vipassanā bhāvanā is one of the essential meditation practices in Theravāda Buddhism that aims to develop mindfulness, self-awareness, and wisdom by observing bodily and mental experiences directly. While many previous studies have focused on the psychological benefits of meditation, this study emphasizes the technical practice of vipassanā bhāvanā within a forest monastery setting. This research aims to describe how vipassanā bhāvanā meditation is implemented in fostering Buddhist spirituality at Abhisamaya Forest Monastery, Bukit Rebo, Sungailiat Bangka. This study used a descriptive qualitative approach with a case study design. Data were obtained through in-depth interviews with two Buddhist monk meditation guides and nine meditation participants, non-participant observation during retreat activities, and documentation of institutional and field activities. The results show that vipassanā bhāvanā is practiced through a structured process involving mindfulness of breathing, sitting meditation, walking meditation, mental noting, noble silence, Dhamma talks, and meditation interviews. The implementation of this practice is supported by a conducive forest environment, the guidance of meditation teachers, disciplined schedules, and adequate facilities. Participants also experienced several obstacles, including bodily pain, drowsiness, wandering thoughts, mosquitoes, weather conditions, and uneven walking paths. The findings indicate that structured vipassanā practice in a forest monastery can support Buddhist spiritual development by strengthening self-awareness, inner calm, emotional regulation, and positive attitudes in daily life.