Calm Abiding Meditation Outline
Calm abiding meditation, known as "śamatha" in Sanskrit or "shine" in Tibetan, is a foundational practice in many Buddhist traditions. It aims to cultivate a stable, calm, and focused mind. Here's an overview of its history and principles: History 1 . Ancient Roots - South Asia: Śamatha has its origins in ancient South Asian meditation practices. It was practiced by the Buddha and is detailed in early Buddhist scriptures. - Buddhist Texts: Important texts like the "Visuddhimagga" (Path of Purification) and the "Dhyāna Sūtras" describe śamatha techniques in detail. 2. Spread to Tibet - Transmission: The practice of Calm abiding was transmitted to Tibet from India along with the broader teachings of Buddhism. Key figures like Padmasambhava played a role in integrating these practices into Tibetan Buddhism. - Tibetan Lineages: Different Tibetan Buddhist schools, including the Gelug, Kagyu, Nyingma, and Sakya, adopted and adapted c...