A Model of Practice Toward Motion in Practice Meditation of the Elderly at Present

Abstract

The objectives of this research were: 1. to study the state of meditation practice and the form of meditation practice of the elderly in Thai society at present; 2. to study the method of meditation practice in Theravada Buddhism; 3. Propose a form of posture and meditation practice for the elderly at present. This research is a qualitative research. The sample group consisted of 16 elderly people in the Dharma Practice Center, using a purposive selection method. The tools used in the research were interview and observation forms. Data were analyzed and synthesized and then written in descriptive narrative.

The results of the research are as follows: 1) In the present circumstance of meditation practice, elderly people can acquire applicable positions to their physical condition.  The main posture or position that is commonly practice among elderly is the sitting position, followed by the walking that is called walking meditation.  Next one is the standing posture.  The last one is called sleeping meditation which is uncommonly used as it can be easily falling asleep.  There are other meditation positions that can frequently practice among elderly people such as: lifting up and down, picking up, holding, scooping, opening, mouthing, drinking, biting, chewing, swallowing, moving, bending, and perking.  These postures are not difficult to practice and can be done anywhere and at any time. 2) The approaches in contemplation mentioned in Theravada Buddhism regarding to positions in meditation also indicates in the Maha Satipatthana Sutta.  The ancestral position that consists of the major and minor postures that can be a guideline for the elderly to practice meditation. 3) There are five (5) different categories regarding postures in meditation for the elderly in the present that derived from this research as follows: 1) Reclining position as the Lord Buddha, 2) Throne position, 3) Standing position in a calm manner, 4) The walking position as a lion. 5) Various positions: eating, drinking, acting, talking, and thinking righteously