The Development of a Knowledge Set and Mindful Movement Activities According to the four Foundations of Mindfulness for Practitioners at Sathira Dhammasathan

Abstract

This research on the development of a knowledge set and mindful movement activities based on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness (Satipatthana) for practitioners at Sathira-Dhammasathan aims to:

• Study the knowledge base for mindful movement activities and explore the principles of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness
• Develop a knowledge set and organize mindful movement activities based on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness for practitioners at Sathira-Dhammasathan
• Evaluate the knowledge set and mindful movement activities based on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness for practitioners at Sathira-Dhammasathan.

The research employed a participatory action research approach, which better helps with analysis and its interpretation.

Research findings reveal that the knowledge set of mindful movement activities is closely aligned with the Four Foundations of Mindfulness as follows:

1. Kayanupassana Satipatthana– Contemplation of the body: Practitioners became aware of the body and developed mindfulness through observing bodily movements.
2. Vedananupassana Satipatthana– Contemplation of feelings: Practitioners became aware of their feelings during every posture of the practice, helping them understand the nature of feelings as impermanent – arising, persisting, and passing away.
3. Cittanupassana Satipatthana– Contemplation of the mind: Practitioners observed the mind, finding calmness, relaxation, and concentration, which helped develop clear comprehension.
4. Dhammanupassana Satipatthana– Contemplation of mental objects: Practitioners gained insight into the Dhamma and observed the changes in both body and mind.

The body of knowledge derived from this research – Yoga of Mindfulness – enhances physical well-being through a calm and focused mind. Practitioners were guided through gentle, mindful postures using the SKT method, with breathing awareness and present-moment focus. They practiced mindful walking in a garden, attentive to every step, and listened to crystal bowl sound waves to cultivate inner transformation. This process included body preparation, movement practice, and awareness of feelings and thoughts, leading to the recognition of mental and physical states, staying present, and understanding the nature of life through the lens of the Three Characteristics (impermanence, suffering, and non-self).