Buddhist Meditation, Ascetic Education, and Emotional Intelligence

Abstract

Ascetic education through meditation is one of the most critical aspects of Buddhism to observe consciousness through the process of the cognitive senses doors (Pancadvāravīthi) and inner doors (Manodvāravīthi). This article reviews ascetic education as a learning autonomy in inquiry-based learning and reflective practice in seeking the essence of life. The paper uses the autoethnographic notes of the researcher as a temporary monk when attending the Pabbaja Samanera in December 2022 at Megamendung Bogor Hermitage by Dhammavihari Buddhist Studies. This temporary monk training based on Abhidhamma education uses a 2567-year-old curriculum by Buddha Gautama in India, which emphasizes noble silence without verbal and thought interaction and lives by the monks' rules. The study concludes that there are fundamental differences between Western education, which is based on cognitive intelligence, and Eastern education, especially Dharma from India, which is based on emotional intelligence. Second, the reflective capacity in Buddhist ascetic education through contemplative meditation aims to let go of worldly attachments. Third, the ultimate goal of Buddhist teaching is to realize anicca (impermanence), dukkha (suffering), and anatta (non-selfteaching).