What does the Sanskrit word śamatha translate to in Buddhist meditation practices?
The Sanskrit word śamatha translates to tranquility, calm, or quietude of the heart. In Pali, samatha carries the same meaning of serenity and mental stillness.
Questions about Samatha-vipassanā
Short answers, pulled from the story.
When did Medawi reinvent meditation practice in Myanmar during the 18th century?
Medawi lived from 1728 to 1816 and reinvented meditation practice in Myanmar during the 18th century. This revival led to the rise of the Vipassanā movement in the 20th century.
Who popularized simplified Vipassana techniques from 1904 until his death in 1982?
Mahasi Sayadaw popularized these simplified techniques from 1904 until his death in 1982. U Nārada created the New Burmese Method between 1868 and 1955 before Mahasi Sayadaw took over the work.
How many mental abidings does Kamalaśīla outline that lead to śamatha proper in Indo-Tibetan systems?
Kamalaśīla outlines nine mental abidings that lead to śamatha proper in Indo-Tibetan systems. Śamatha sometimes appears as a tenth stage following these nine mental abidings.
Which American Buddhist teachers began gaining wide renown for the Vipassana Movement starting in the 1950s?
Joseph Goldstein, Tara Brach, Gil Fronsdal, Sharon Salzberg, and Jack Kornfield popularized new teachings globally beginning in the 1950s. This movement draws appeal from inclusivity of different wisdom sources including poetry and science.