The Model of Meditation Practice in the Buddha’s Time

Abstract

This research article has two objectives: 1) to study the history and development of meditation practice during the Buddha’s time, and 2) to study the forms of meditation practice during the Buddha’s time, using documentary research.

The research results found that the history and development of meditation practice during the Buddha’s time originated from the first sermon that the Buddha gave to the five ascetics, which was a sermon on the Middle Way, which is practicing the middle path, avoiding the two extremes, and on the Four Noble Truths. The development of meditation practice during the Buddha’s time began with the practice of Samatha, according to the concept of the existing meditation centers. Later, the Buddha developed it from the “Samatha” to the “Vipassana”, which is a practice based on the principles of the Middle Way, which the Buddha discovered as correct practice and leading to attainment of Nirvana. As for the forms of meditation practice during the Buddha’s time, the Buddha taught the principles of meditation that he discovered, adjusting them to be appropriate for the time, place, temperament, or views of the practitioners, in order to achieve the highest level of true efficiency. There are two forms of practice: 1) Dhamma practice by listening to Dhamma; 2) starting from Samatha meditation and then entering Vipassana meditation; and 3) pure Vipassana meditation, which is a practice that develops wisdom to realize, know clearly, and see the true nature of all things according to the law of three characteristics.