Postgraduate Institute of Pali and Buddhist Studies (

University of Kelaniya )

A RESEARCH PROPOSAL FOR MASTER OF ART DEGREE

Purification of Feeling (Vedanā): A Critical Study

Candidate: Ven. Pandita

Registration Number: 2020 / MABS / E / 079

A research proposal submitted to Postgraduate Instituate of Pali and Buddhist

Studies, University Of Kelaniya as a partial fulfillment of the course unit MABS 72 –
Research Methodology and Extended Essay.

Date - - - 30.11.2020
 Table of Contents
Introduction

Research Problems

Research Methods

Chapter Outline

Bibliography

Purification of Feeling (Vedanā): A Critical Study

Introduction
The Pāli “Vedanā” is traditionally translated as ‘Feeling’ or ‘Sensation’. Generally, Vedanā

refers to the pleasant, unpleasant and neutral sensations that occur when our internal sense organs

come into contact with external sense objects and the associated consciousness. Feelings arisen at

such times are obviously worldly types of feelings, and to wisely contemplate them is the very

means for breaking through their conditioning impact on the mind.

In this extended essay, I will examine on the definition of Vedanā and the nature of feelings

in general. Next I will turn in some detail to the distinction between bodily and mental types of

feelings, followed by exploring the relation of feelings to karmic retribution and to the formation

of views. Feelings are not only the breeding ground for self-motions, but are also intrinsically

related to the genesis of views in general.

In chapter three, Contemplation of feelings (Vedananupassanā) must be included.

Contemplation of feeling needs to be undertaken comprehensively and continuously in order to

eventually be able to nip the reaction in the bud as accomplishment through clear awareness of the

impending on set of unwholesome thoughts and emotions at their point of origin in Vedanā. Here

a special effort is required for contemplating feelings even when the mind is carried off by sensual

fantasies, thoughts of aversion, or vain imaginings.

Research Problems
This research points to a progression of the practice which the Potential of Contemplating
Feelings is as the most important role in how to eradicate all feelings. Therefore, the research
problem is “how to contemplate impermanence as a practical way leads to awareness of the
disappearance of feelings, in terms of their passing away and cessation”. So, I have to arrange
them systematically out of effort.

Research Methods
In my research methods I will use Atthasalini Aṭṭhakathā, Anguttaranikāya Aṭṭhakathā,

Dhammapada Aṭṭhakathā, Visuddhimagga Aṭṭhakathā texts etc. which included in Tipiṭaka Pāli,

for primary sources and I will use these books; : The Great Discourse on Causation, The

Mahanidana Sutta and its Commentaries, by Bhikkhu Bodhi, “THE

ESSENCE OF THE PATH OF PURIFICATION” by Bikkhu Nyanamoli, “Equanimity (Upekkha)

in Theravada Buddhism” by Harvey Aronson, and other scholars' books for secondary sources.
Chapter Outline

Chapter (1) The definition of Vedanā

Chapter (2) Feelings and Karmic Reflection

Chapter (3) Contemplation of Feelings (Vedananupassanā)

Chapter (4) Contemplation the impermanence of Feelings

Chapter introduction

Chapter (1)
In this research work there are four chapters. In the first chapter, ‘the definition of Vedanā

concerning with bodily and mental feelings’, “it’s associated mental phenomena”, and ‘three kinds

of feelings’ will be mentioned.

Chapter (2)
In the second chapter, there will be described ‘feelings and Karmic reflection, views’, and
‘how related to the Noble Eightfold Paths’.

Chapter (3)
The third chapter has mentioned ‘the contemplation of feelings (Vedanānupassanā)’ and
‘feelings and mental reactions’.

Chapter (4)
The last chapter is elucidated ‘the potential of contemplating feelings’ and ‘the
impermanence of feelings’, it’s also clarified ‘the significance of Dukkha’.
Bibliographies

Primary Sources

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2. Apadāna-a hakathā, therāpadāna , 54. ka āyanavagga, 2. vakka ittherāpadānava anā (PTS

0.493)

3. Atthasalini ed. Edward Muller, PTS, 1897, 1979; tr. Pe Maung Tin. The Expositor, PTS,
1976.
4. Dhammapada, H.C. Norman, PTS, 1906-14.
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1977.
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Religious Affairs, 1993.
12. Visuddhimagga I-II, Yangon, Myanmar: Ministry of Religious Affairs, 1993.

Secondary Sources

1. Aronson, Harvey B. “Equanimity (Upekkha) in Theravada Buddhism”, Studies in Pali and

Buddhism, A.K. Narain (ed.), Delhi: B.R. Publishing Corporation.1979.
2. Aronson, Harvey B. Love and Sympathy in Theravada Buddhism, Delhi: Motilal Banarsi. 1980.
3. Aronson, Harvey B. “Buddhist and Non-Buddhist approaches to the Sublime Attitudes
(brahmavihara)”, Buddhist Studies in Honor of Hammalava Saddhatissa, Dhammapala et al.
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4. ENCYCLOPAEDIAOF BUDDHISM. SRI LANKA: THE DEPARTMENT OF
GOVERNMENT PRINTING, 1979.

5. Bodhi, Bhikkhu. The Great Discourse on Causation, The Mahanidana Sutta and its
Commentaries, Translated from the Pali, Kandy: Buddhist Publication Society. 1984.
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Commentaries, Translated from the Pali, Kandy: Buddhist Publication Society. 1987.
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