Variations in the meditation practices of early Buddhists

[fivebells]

I'm interested in learning about the meditation practices of the early Buddhist schools, in particular anything which has not survived to modern schools. Any suggestions on where to look? So far, most of the variations I've found have been ethical and doctrinal.

[mynameisadahn]

I would be interested to see what responses you will get to your question. To answer it based on my limited knowledge, I would point to the first sections of the metta sutta, which as I recall, refers to 'those devoted to' different types of meditation. However, that seems to be a fairly short passage.

[Dmytro]

Hi Fivebells,

I would recommend to read the Vimuttimagga by Arahant Upatissa. The titles of the practices may sound similar, but the details of the practices are quite different.

See also "Vimuttimagga and Visuddhimagga: A Comparative Study" by Bapat.

[fivebells]

Thanks, Dmytro. I'll take a look.

Edit, five minutes later: Holy cow, that is an expensive book. I see references to an online version, but I can't find it. Anyone know where it is now?

[Dmytro]

Vimuttimagga

Vimuttimagga and Visuddhimagga: A Comparative Study

[tiltbillings]

I'm interested in learning about the meditation practices of the early Buddhist schools, in particular anything which has not survived to modern schools. Any suggestions on where to look? So far, most of the variations I've found have been ethical and doctrinal.

Try this, The Yogāvacara's Manual: http://openlibrary.org/books/OL6576772M ... _Buddhists.

[Ñāṇa]

I'm interested in learning about the meditation practices of the early Buddhist schools, in particular anything which has not survived to modern schools. Any suggestions on where to look? So far, most of the variations I've found have been ethical and doctrinal.

See this thread for links to sources on a number of ancient meditation manuals preserved in Chinese translation, mostly related to Sarvāstivāda: Chanjing Meditation Manuals.

And here's a copy of the so-called Yogāvacara's Manual. For context on this text see Tantric Theravāda and Aspects of Esoteric Southern Buddhism.

[fivebells]

Thanks for all the links, everyone! Looks very interesting.