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Issues in samatha and vipasyana: A comparative study of Buddhist meditation

Issues in samatha and vipasyana: A comparative study of Buddhist meditation
Short Title: Issues in samatha and vipasyana
Format: Thesis
Publication Year: 2011
Place of Publication: United States -- California
Pages: 248
Library/Archive: Copyright ProQuest, UMI Dissertations Publishing 2011
Sources ID: 22409
Visibility: Private
Abstract: (Show)

The union of samatha (tranquility meditation) and vipasyana (insight meditation) is the unique Buddhist path to deliverance. This dissertation explores various schemes of samatha developed in distinct meditation systems, so as to analyze the different degrees of sam adhi which affect the power of insight in eradication of defilements. The nature of dhyana/jhana is explained quite different in the canonical and commentarial materials of Buddhist schools. How a meditator practices mindfulness of breathing is based on how a meditator interprets what the dhyana/jh ana is. This dissertation provides various possible explanations for the diverse dispositions of meditators in meditation practice. In insight meditation, when consciousness acts with skillful mental qualities, one is able to penetrate the true nature of all physical and mental phenomena; in the cycle of rebirth, consciousness links the present existence and the next. The different roles of consciousness in rebirth, and deliverance are investigated. This dissertation is mainly based on the Chinese Canon to examine key issues in meditation practice, revolving around the significance of tranquility meditation and insight meditation.

Subjects: 
Classical Buddhist Contemplation Practices
Practices of Buddhist Contemplation
Integration Context
Buddhist Contemplation
Contemplation by Tradition