An Application of Techniques to Overcome Restlessness and Remorse in Meditation and in the Daily Life according to Theravāda Buddhism

This qualitative dissertation research is of three objectives: 1) to study the concept of restlessness and remorse in Abhidhamma and in relevant doctrines of the Pāli Tipiṭaka, 2) to analyse the ways to get rid of restlessness and remorse according to Theravāda Buddhist perspective, and 3) to apply the techniques to deal with restlessness and remorse in meditation and in daily life.

The findings show that the concept of restlessness and remorse is described in Theravāda Buddhist texts. According to Abhidhamma and other doctrines of Suttanta Pitaka, restlessness and remorse are two unwholesome mental factors (akusala cetasikas) which are often seen going together in the group of five hindrances (panca-nivaraṇa); however, each of them has different roots; the first is rooted from ignorance (moha) while the later has root of hatred (dosa). They are furthermore seen in the name of fetters (samyojanas) or defilements (kilesas).

With respect to the second objective, through the analysis of restlessness and remorse in their manifestations, functions and characteristics, the research points out the ways to get rid of these unwholesome mental states according to Theravāda Buddhist texts. Particularly, the Buddhist doctrines provide two ways for abandonment of restlessness and remorse; one is temporary and another is complete removal. By training tranquility meditation and insight meditation, one can be able to overcome these akusala cetasika effectively.

             Finally, the third objective of the work, the techniques are applied to deal with agitation and remorse in the real life of meditation training and in everyday activies. This is more important since it makes the qualities of the Dhamma applied effectively in reality. For this reason, it can be seen to be the most significant contribution of the research to readers.