An Analytical Study of the 40 Kammatthana of Khruba Aphichai–Khao-Pi

Abstract

The research article study on the analysis of the 40 meditations of Khru Ba Aphichai Khaopi has the research objectives to study meditation in Theravada Buddhism and to analyze the 40 meditations of Khru Ba Aphichai Khaopi. This research is a qualitative research.
The research results are as follows: 1. Meditation in Buddhism means practicing Dhamma and concentration to develop the mind and wisdom to be pure and calm. It can be divided into two types: Samatha meditation that emphasizes calmness of the mind and Vipassana meditation that emphasizes seeing the truth of life. There are many ways of practicing in Thailand, such as the ascetic path, the Anapanasati path, and the Vipassana meditation path with Satipatthana. As for the meditation practice in Lanna, it emphasizes the integration with daily life and local culture, such as using local languages and cultivating loving-kindness meditation. This practice aims to make the mind calm and pure from defilements and lead to true liberation, which is the attainment of Nirvana.
2. Khru Ba Aphichai Khaopi is a development monk who inherited the path from Khru Ba Srivichai. Focusing on building religious sites and public utilities throughout the North, he was defrocked many times but still adhered to his ideology and decided to wear white robes for the rest of his life. The meditation of Khru Ba Aphichai Khaopi has its roots in Khru Ba Srivijaya and ancient Lanna meditation. This meditation consists of 40 types of Samatha meditation: 10 Kasina, 10 Anussati, 10 Asupha, 4 Brahmavihara, 4 Arupa Jhana, Aharepatikula Sañña and Catuthatuvatthathana.