A Study of the Meditation Method as Applied by
The Most Venerable Mogok Sayadaw, U Vimala

1. Background and Significance of the Study
History tells us about outstanding and learned people from time to time in every country of the world. Due to lack of keeping good records and archives, subsequent generations generally remain ignorant of these people and their work. The younger generation needs to recognize that it is essential to maintain good records of the life and work of outstanding, famous people. We should bear in mind that we see better and further when “standing on the shoulders of others”, such as Shakespeare, Bernard Shaw, Leo Tolstoy, Rahula Sankiccee, Dr. Tagore, Plato, and Fleming and so on.

Such people devoted their whole lives to their respective fields of study viz. literature, philosophy, science, medicine, and so forth. Their work benefited mankind. Theravada Buddhist countries have had learned people who wrote many books on Buddhism, which is especially conducive to liberating others from the woes and misery of the world. Ven. Ledi sayadaw, the Ven. Mahasi sayadaw, the Ven. Mogok Sayadaw the Ven.Visaitasârabivinsa, the Ven. Buddhadāsa Bhikkhu, Phara Brahmagunbhorn (P.A. Payutto), and S.N Goenka are some well-known Myanmar and Thai examples.

During the Konebaung Dynasty(1752-1885 CE), there appeared in Myanmar sevaral learned monks, well-versed in Buddhist literature. The most venrable Mogok Sayadaw was one of them. He was an outstanding monk. He established the meditation center popularly known as Mogok center. He taught and wrote various Buddhist topics, among which are the Dependent Orgination (paticcasamuppâda), and Abhidhamattha Sangaha (the essence of Buddha Abhidhamma). All learned men, monastic and lay, recognized him as the most authoritative person as far as meditation method and Buddhist literature were concerned.

He followed on the footsteps of Ledi Sayadaw, who was a prolific and widely respected Dhamma master and taught in Myanmar at the turn of the century. Among Burmese Buddhists at that time, Ledi Sayadaw had in-depth understanding of the law of Dependent Origination. He emphasized its importance. Later Mogok Sayadaw revived and emphasized its importance in all of his teachings. He stressed that understanding of the law of Dependent Origination prior to meditation practice is of utmost importance. He was a renowned Buddhist scholar in monastic circles and beyond. He spent more than thirty years in upper Myanmar as a teacher of Buddhist psychology, Buddhist scriptures and meditation.

The outstanding point in Mogok Sayadaw’s teaching is the use of a clear vivid circular causal chain (cause/effect chain) diagram that he developed. It is a very effective visual aid for understanding the law of Dependent Origination. He explains how this causal chain works and then tells us to observe this process occurring in our own bodies and minds by direct personal experience achieved by focusing a penetrative active mind (nanna) on body and mind (khanda). This develops insight that leads to liberation from samsara via knowledge of the four noble truths (timeless truths) first revealed by the Buddha.

His meditation practice consists of three parts which will be explored in more detail in the following section. First, he stresses the importance of intellectual understanding of Dhamma before actual meditation practice. He teaches the distinction between concepts and ultimate reality, and how ultimate reality is composed of the elements and aggregates. Then he explains the cycle of Dependent Origination, showing how through cause and effect, craving and desires keep us trapped in the rounds of becoming and suffering -samsāra. Finally, as the meditation deepens, he emphasizes how all perceptions occur simply due to the arising and vanishing of the five aggregates - the process of body and mind. This constant change which must be directly experienced show how unsatisfactory and empty of self our whole existence is. On penetrating the true nature of the aggregates as they arise and vanish, the yogi becomes ripe for the cessation of this process and the stopping of the wheel of dependent origination which is the highest bliss, Nibbana.

He preached various types of Dhamma and wrote many books such as Abhiddhama Sangaha text, Yamaka text, and the basic way of Mogok Vipassana meditation text and concepts of meditation method from Buddha’s Dhamma sermons. Some scholars have translated his Dhamma talks and texts from Myanmar into English.

The venerable Mogok Sayadaw was capable of making Patipatti Sâsanâ emit its rays of brilliance to countries such as those in Asia, America, and Europe, beyond the frontiers of Myanmar. Thereby he has made history by letting Mogok vipssanâ Patipatti Sâsanâ be known widely, in the interests of future generations. This enables them to enhance their faith and generosity and also to perpetuate the Patipatti Sâsanâ.

He devoted his life not only to the teaching of the Dhamma but also meditation practice. In his forbearance he was peerless. He was truly an exemplary figure. We take pride in his honor and glory in obtaining the title of Aggamahâpandita, and Kammatthanacariya titles conferred by the Myanmar Government. Hence, a critical study of his life and work is an invaluable asset in the theory and practice of Buddhism.




2. Objective of the Study
2.1 To study meditation methods taught by Mogok Sayadaw.
2.2 .To examines Mogok Sayadaw interpretation of meditation methods contained in the Tipitaka.
2.3 . To evaluate the impact of Mogok Sayadaw on the present society.

3. Problems to be answered

3.1 How did he study the Paticcsamuppāda and the meditation method?
3.2 What constitutes his important works regarding his explanation
of the Tipitaka and commentaries.
3.3 What impact had his mission in Myanmar and abroad?

4. Scope of the Study
4.1. This research will gather the requirements by surveying and collecting relevant literature, and interviewing key persons from his native town in Myanmar.
4.2This research studies the concept of paṭiccasamuppāda (Dependent origination - law of causality) and meditation method from the Theravada Buddhist canonical literature - the Tipitaka.

5. Literary Works Detailing the Biography of the Sayadaw.

5.1. U Hla Myint. The Most Ven. Mogok Sayadaw and his Missionary Works in Buddhist Sâsanâ” Published by Mogok Vipassanâ Meditation Center Yangon, Myanmar, 1998.
In that book, the author described the life of the Sayadaw, from his childhood up to his demise, including an account of his missionary work both in Myanmar and foreign countries. In the last three sections of his book, the author gives information on the Sayadaw’s ideas concerning general deliverance, his teaching of the meditation method and his death.
5.2. U Kyaw Thein. Biography of the Most Venerable Mogok Sayadaw and His Practicing, Published by Mogok Vipassanâ Meditation Center Yangon 1994.
In this critical research paper, he stated that the great man came to this world for the benefit of all. By the time King Mindon , who made Mandalay his capital, parkland was turned into a village that took on a descriptive name of Uyindaw Village. It is now located on the opposite bank of river Myit-nge. At the time of this story, there were about three hundred houses in that village. In this village there once lived U Aung Tun and his wife Daw Shwe Ait. When she became pregnant, she dreamt that it was the embryo of one who came dressed in clean white robes. Then, in the year 1261 B.E., on the 11th day of waxing of the moon of Nattaw, being a Wednesday at 2:30 p.m., the boy who was to become the famed Mogok Sayadaw was born, (By the English calendar, the year was 1900 AD and the month, December). He was named Maung Hla Baw.
One day, the young novice Ashin Vimala left his robes on a clothes line in the open. Within a short time bees appeared and swarmed on his robes. The Presiding Sayadaw of that monastery came to hear of the incident and declared that it is a good omen. He read the omen as "At a future period, he will become a famous Sayadaw, with many followers of his own. Figuratively speaking, Ashin Vimala will become capable of plucking the topmost flower of brilliant success.
Ariyas shed all attachments, inclusive of Khandha and bhava . Mogok Sayadaw shed his last khandha forever at the time of 1.20 P.M of October 17th, 1962. Like a flame finally extinguished with no wick or fuel left for its support, the great Sayadaw finally passed away, fully blown out, fully extinguished!
5.3 Jack Kornfleld. Modern Buddhist Meditation Master, Buddhist Publication Society P.O.Box61, Sangharaja Mawatha Kandy, Sir Lanka, Original Publisher: Unity Press, 1977.
In a research paper by Jack Kornflield, “Modern meditation master”, it is stated that “traditional the majority of Myanmar monks are of excellence in Abhidhammâ Pitaka, psychological analysis and the practice of meditation. Abhidhammâ and meditation cannot be separated. Proficiency in the former leads to effectiveness in the later.Practice of beings, western research is mainly biased towards material aspects. Western research is mainly biased towards material things, whereas eastern studies focuses on non –material, material aspects. Being a monk of Myanmar tradition, Mogok Sayadaw was well versed in Abhidhammâ and in meditation. Bhikkhu Vimala or Mogok Sayadaw, was born in 1900, and passed away in 1962 at the age of 62 .he preached Buddha’s teaching and was famous as an Abhidhammâ teacher and one of the father of meditation master.
5.4. Than Daing. Practical Application of Paticcasamuppâda on The Cessation of The Cycle of Rebirths,(Mogok Sayadaw way) First Published by The Society for the propagation of Mogok Vipassana, Yangon, Myanmar September 11, 1967.
This book will give you the message the Buddha wanted to deliver to all living beings i.e. the way to get rid of the suffering they have always been submerged in and be elevated to a higher stage that will get then to their goal which is Nibâna where all suffering ends.Mogok sayadw instructed that Paticcasamuppâda the doctrine tells us the causes and effects of what is happening in this mundane world from the time immemorial. Through the study of Paticcasamuppâda, you will find that nothing is permanent in this world. When you know that what you think or regard as permanent that is not permanent, you will eventually look for a way out of this impermanent world. Then the aim of liberation from samsara has been accomplished.
The Buddha’s teaching is anything near incorrectness or confusion especially Paticcasamuppâda which is above criticism and dispute. The teacher’s explanation in Myanmar also is very clear and understandable.

6. Definition of terms
Aggamahâpandita : is a title conferred by the government of Myanmar on senior learned Buddhist monks who have been in the order for more than forty years and have written religious tracts in Myanmar and abroad.
Sayadaw In Theravada Buddhist context, a sayadaw is a Burmese senior monk of a monastery. A Sayadaw is also generally an excellent Dhamma lecturer and/or a meditation master. The title Sayadaw meaning venerable teacher was originally given to important elder monks (Theras and Maha Theras) who gave Dhamma teachings to the king in olden days. Later, it became a title for highly respected monks in general.
BE: denotes the Burmese Era. The year in which the Buddha attained parinibbâna represented 148 of the Burmese Maha Era, or great Era, which was equivalent to BC 544.from this time onwards, the Maha Era was abandoned ,and replaced by the Buddha’s Era or sasana Era ,with counting start instead from years 1. In the Buddha’s Era 622was or Ad 78 , king Sanundrai felt the Do Rasa number of 622 ,was unlucky ,and so had counting start instead from years 2,which was though more auspicious. Then later, in the Kha Cha Panca of 562, or AD 638, popper Sawyahan, the king of Pagan, similarly felt this to be inauspicious, with the result that counting was caused to commence yet again from year 2 .
Konebaung Dynasty : denotes the Konebanung era, the era encompassing the dynasty of eleven kings founded by Alaungphya (who proclaimed himself a future Bodhisatta)and constituting the final succession of the Myanmar monarchs (1752-1885 C.E)ending with King Thibaw who deposed by the British.
Myanmar: the name of a country in Southeast Asia formerly known as Burma.
Amarapura : was a former capital of Myanmar, and now a township of Mandalay. Amarapura, Pali for City of Immortality, was the capital of Myanmar for three discrete periods during the Konbaung dynasty in the 18th and 19th centuries before finally supplanted by Mandalay 11km north in 1857.
Pariyatti : Learning the doctrine, Theory, Practical exercise.
Patipatti : Practice the way of practice, practical exercise
Sâsana : the teaching of the Buddha, the Tipitaka, Religion.
Paticcasamuppāda: “dependent origination” is the doctrine of the conditionality of all physical and psychical phenomena, a doctrine which, together with that of impersonality (Anattâ q.v) from the indispensable condition for the real understanding and realization of the teaching of the Buddha. It shows the conditionality and dependent nature of that uninterrupted flux of manifold physical and physical phenomena of existence conventionally clue the ego, of, or man or animal, etc. whereas the doctrine of impersonality ,or Anattâ, proceeds analytically , by splitting existence up into the ultimate constituent parts, into mere empty ,unsubstantial phenomena or elements , the doctrine of dependent origination ,on the other hand , proceeds synthetically, by showing that all these phenomena are , in some way or other , conditionally related with each other.
7. Method of Study
Relating to the scope of my thesis, the research will basically be focusing on the relevant discourses in the Pâli Canon. Furthermore, Theravada Tipitaka, Commentaries, Sub-commentaries, and selected English translations, such as those from Wisdom publications or Buddhist publication society will be examined. Since it is a research work, it will be necessary to survey and collect the relevant literature, interview key persons, as well as catalogue, classify, digest, and summarize the various aspect of the study. Biographies written by Myanmar scholars and devotees shall be consulted. Paticcasumupâda, Abhidhamâ meditation methods, written by other scholars will also be scrutinized as much as time permits.
The intention is to reveal how learned he was, how deep his wisdom and how great his volition (Cetanâ) where the laypeople all over the country were concerned. Moreover his wisdom in the field of Vipassanâ meditation is far beyond our knowledge. Mogok Sayadaw’s meditation teaching method is of vital importance and is invaluable to all Buddhists. If read very carefully, it will make us admit that Ven. Mogok Sayadaw was a true benefactor of mankind. Every mediator should regard this book as a meditation teacher.
8. Benefits Expected
After doing this research work, the expected advantages obtained from its outcomes will be as follows:
8.1- A clear knowledge of his biography and important work.
8.2- Understand the significance of his contributions on Pariyatti and Patipatti Sâsanâ
8.3- Clear understanding of his interpretation of the Buddha’s teaching in his meditation method and Knowledge of the local and global impact of his contribution.










STRUCTIURE OF CONTECT
(Tentative)
Chapter I:
Introduction
1.1 Background and significance of the study
1.2 Object of the Study
1.3 Problem to be answered
1.4 Scope of the Study
1.5 Literary Works detailing the Biography of the Sayadaw.
1.6 Definition of Terms
1.7 Method of Study
1.8 Benefits Expected

Chapter II: A Study of the Meditation Techniques as Applied By Mogok Sayadaw
2.1 Instruction of Meditation Techniques By Mogok Sayadaw U Vimala
2.1.1 Ten days Retreat Meditation Course and Some Preparatory Stages in Meditation
2.1.2The First Stage: practicing abstinence from evil action
2.1.3 The Second Stage (five days): practicing ânàpàna
2.1.4 The Third Stage (five days): practicing Vipassanà
2.1.5 Instruction from the Meditation Teacher
2.1.6 Explanation on Insight Momentary Concentration
2.1.7 Principles and Method of Interview
2.1.8 Benefits of Vipassanā Meditation Practice
2.1.9 Method of Leaving the Meditation Practice
2.1.10 Verse of Merit Sharing
2.2 Situation of Environmental Setting
2.2.1 Suitable place
2.2.2 Cultivation of Loving-kindness
2.2.3 Characteristics of Meditation Center
2.2.4 Communication among Working Staff and Mediators
2.3 Mogok Sayadaw Interpretation and Application of the Buddha’s teaching
2.3.1 Vipasanā and the Three Characteristic Marks
2.3.2 The Seven Stages of Purity on Mediators
2.3.3 Three Lokuttarā Pariññā

2.3.4 Discourses related to the Meditation Process
3.3.5 Knowledge of the Noble Path
Chapter: III His Meditation Methods and the Tipitaka Methods Examined

3.1. Examination of application of Abhidhamma
3.1.1 Understanding about Conventional and Ultimate Truths
3.1.2 Understanding of Mind (Nàma) and Matter (Rupa)
3.1.3 Overcome Wrong Views by developing Knowledge
3.1.4 Observe and Contemplate the Object of Meditation
3.1.5 Realize the Four Noble Truths
3.2. The Analyzing of Paticcasamuppâda Teaching by Mogok sayadaw

3.2.1 Paṭccasamuppàda as the Means to the Practice of Meditation Method by Mahānidāna sutta.
3.2.2 Ignorance of the Origin of Suffering
3.2.3 Life –Cycle and Three Time Dimensions
3.3.4 Five Causes in The Past
3.3.5 Present Cause Due To Past Causes
3.3.6 Removing the Present Causes
3.3 An Examination of His Theory with the Tipitaka
3.3.1 Description of Concentration –Taking In Meditation Subject with Ānāpānassati Sutta
3.3.2Meditation on the Four Station of Mindfulness with Mahāsatipaṭṭhāna sutta
3.3.3 The Improvement Vedananupassanā (Meditation on Vedanā)
3.3.4 Cittānupassanā (Contemplation on Mind)
Chapter IV: The Local and Global Impact of Mogok Sayadaw
4.1 The Impact on Myanmar

4.1.1 Acceptance of Mogok Sayadaw’s Method
4.1.2 The Tradition of Kammathāna Monks
4.1.4 Learning Dhamma-teaching
4.1.5 Discussion of Dhamma
4.1.7 The Routine Chants
4.2 General Advice to Foreign Mediators
4.2.1 Modern day links
4.2.2 Global impact
4.2.3 Forerunner or the Beneficiary of all Buddhists
4.2.4 Missionary Work Initiated by the Mogok Sayadaw
4.2.5 Mogok Vipassanâ Meditation Centers

Chapter V: Conclusion and Suggestion
Bibliography
Appendix
Biography of Researcher










BIBLIOGRAPHY
(Temporary)
1. Primary Sources:
A. Texts and Translation
Tipitaka Pâli (Roman Script),Oxford,Text socity, 1950,1998.
Hammalawa Saddhâtissa Abhidhammatthasangaha,ed..Oxford: PTS, 1989.
Bhikkhu, Bodhi. A Comprehensive Manual of Abhidhamma (Abhidhammattha Singaha).Kandy:BPS, 993.

T.W.Rhys Davids and Carpenter Digha Nikâya, vols.I-II ed. Oxford: PTS,

1982-1985.
Walshe, Maurice. The Long Discourses of the Buddha: A Translation of
the Dīgha Nikāya. Kandy: Buddhist Publication Society, 1996.

Nyanamoli and Bhikkhu Bodhi. The Middle Length Discourses of the
Buddha. Kandy: Buddhist Publication Society, 1995.

Trencker Majjhima Nikâya, vol.I. ed. Oxford: PTS, 1973.
Chalmers.Majjhima Nikâya, vol .I-II. ed. chalmers. Oxford: PTS, 1973.

Ledi Sayadaw ,Kammatthan Kayangyee (Manual of Meditation)published
by Mikhin ayawaddy, Yangon,1965.

Ledi Sayadaw .Vipassanâ Dipani, Sasanâ Concial, kaba-aye yangon, 1965.

Nânamoli,Bhikkhu.tr. The Path of Purification (Visuddhimagga).Kandy
BPS, 1987.
Nyanatiloka .Buddhist Dictionary , Manual of Buddhist Terms and
Doctrines , fourth Revised edition ,edited by nyanaponika, Buddhist
Publication Society Kandy,Sirlanka,1988
Ministry of education Myanmar –English Dictionary,Yangon Department of the Myanmar Language Commission, 1993.
Mya Tin, Daw. The Dhammapada. Yangon: Department for the Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana, 1993.

II. Secondary Sources

A - Book and Papers

Kyaw Thein, U. Biography of the Most Venerable Mogok Sayadaw and His Practicing, published by Mogok Vipassanâ Meditation center Yangon 1994.
Hla Myint, U. The Most Ven. Mogok Sayadaw and His Missionary Work in Buddhist Sâsanâ” published by Mogok Vipassanâ meditation center Yangon, Myanmar, 1998.
Than Daing, U. Practical Application of Paticcasamuppâda on the Cessation of the Cycle of Rebirths,(Mogok Sayadaw’s way) first published by the Society for the propagation of Mogok Vipassana,center Yangon, Myanmar September 11, 1967.
Hla Myint, U .Basic Paticcasamuppâda, a discourse on causes and effects (Mogok Sayadaw’s way) published by U Myaint Than(0150)of Athaing Awaing Sarpay Mayangone Township, Yangon, Myanmar, 1998.
Min Swe, U. The Doctrine of Dependent Origination by Venerable Mahasi Sayadaw Translated by U Aye Maung Published Buddhasasana Nuggaha Organization Rangoon, Burma, 1990.
Sway Tin, U, D.S.C, The Four Noble Truth by (Mogok Sayadaw’s Dhamma talk) Published by U Aung Cit No.82, Natmouk road, Yangon Myanmar 2000.
B - Thesis and Dissertations
Ven.U Candima. “A study of the life and work of the most Ven. Ledi Sayadaw” Mahachlalongkornrajavidayalaya University, B.E.2574.C.E 2004.
Narongchai Punyanontachai. “The Development of Problem Solving by Meditation Training”, M.A. Thesis. Bangkok: Department ofIndustrial Psychology and Organization, Faculty of Arts,Thammasart University, 1997.

Assajitta Dhammajito, Phra. “An Analytical Study on Concept of Citta and its Significance in Theravāda Buddhist Philosophy”, M.A. Thesis. Bangkok: Department of Philosophy, Graduate School, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, 1995.

C - Books in Myanmar Language

U Kin Nyaut The Basic way and Essence of Meditation Method of Mogok Vipassanâ Center, in Myanmar Published by Mogok Vipassanâ meditation center Myanmar 1997.

Ashin Gosita (Biography of the most Ven.mogok Sayadaw and His Missionary Work. published by U Kyaw Sein No.85 Secho market Mandalay, 2002).

Htay Hlaing, U Dhammacariya. Yahndarhnitupggodumar, 9th ed. (Biography of Arahants andextraodinary Persons).Yangon: Mogok offset, Daw Kyin myint, Buddha Athan Sapay, 1993.

















Appendix
1. Early Childhood before His Noviciation
2. The Palace Amarapura of Konebaung
3. The Native Village of Mogok Sayadaw
4. Novice Ordination and Future Education
5. Monk Ordination and His Working
6. Dhamma Duta (missionary activity)
7. Receiving the Eminent Title of Agga Mahâ Pandit
8. The Last Day and His Successes Life Behind