This study focus on the satipatthana Sutta in Majjhima Nikaya , discusses the theory and practice of the satipatthanameditation. It also takes the meditative method of Mahasi Sayadaw in modern Myanmar as an example. There are six chapters in this study. The first chapter includes the motive for this study, the harvest of modern Buddhist research, the materials, the approach and the structure of this dissertation. The second chapter introduces the background of satipatthanameditation in early Buddhism. The third chapter explores the practical method and the foundation of theory in satipatthana Sutta. The forth chapter compares the Chinese text with Pali text of Satipa satipatthana Sutta. The fifth chapter introduces the satipatthana vipassana meditation of Mahsi Sayadaw to understand how the satipatthanaSutta be practiced in modern Buddhism. The final chapter gives a conclusion and the further study in the furture. The result of this study proclaims that: the four foundation of mindfulness in early Buddhism has perfect theoretical foundation. Satipa h?na Sutta comprehensively shows the direct way to extinction of suffering. That is to be mindful of body, feeling, mind and dhamma, observe the arising and vanishing of physical- psychological phenomena as it is to realize anicca, dukkha, and anatta in pa–ca-khandh?, then to gain insight wisdom to liberation. As far as the versions of literature is concerned, the difference between the P?li and Chinese text provides the resource to discuss the correctness of satipa h?na meditation. The method of satipa h?na vipassan? mediataion of modern Mah?si Sayadaw, takes the P?li traditation as it’s basis, brings the skill of Satipa h?na Sutta into full play, and comprehensively shows the essence of Satipa h?na Sutta to people in the modern world. Key word：foundation of mindfulness (satipaÊÊ?na)、Insight (vipassan?)、Mah?s´、 the Bare-insight (suddhavipassan?y?nika)、the direct way (ek?yana-magga).
