Theravada Buddhism and Meditation

In Southern (Pali) Buddhism, also called Theravada, the term "meditation" translates to bhāvanā, which encompasses chanting, devotions, offerings, and recollections, not just sitting practice. These activities support both samatha (calm) and vipassanā (insight) meditation. The chapter examines how sitting practice elements from calm and insight schools work together with these supports, and explores the complex relationship between the two modes. It emphasizes the tradition's focus on guided meditation and discusses adaptations as these practices have spread globally beyond their traditional homes in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract This chapter describes texts and practices associated with meditation in Southern, or Pali, Buddhism, sometimes known as Theravada Buddhism. It explores some different approaches to meditation that characterize this form of Buddhism, as well as the textual basis for their practice and theory. The word “meditation,” with its application in Southern Buddhism, is examined. In Southern Buddhist countries (principally Sri Lanka, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Burma/Myanmar) the word bhāvanā covers a range of activities including chanting, devotions, offerings, and recollections, as well as sitting meditation. These are considered central supports to the development of both samatha (calm) meditation and vipassanā (insight). The chapter considers the way that various elements of sitting practice in both calm and insight schools are felt to be needed to work with one another and with these supports. Some aspects of the complex relationship between the two modes of approaching meditation, calm and insight, are then examined further: schools in both traditions teach many other features of practice as well as sitting meditation to ensure balanced development. The tradition’s great emphasis on the importance of meditation guidance is also discussed. Some of the adaptations that have accompanied global interest in Southern Buddhist meditation are explored, with a broad survey of some modern strands that have moved to regions outside the traditional “home” of these practices.