A Comparative Study of the Meditation Techniques between Thai and Chinese Buddhist Traditions

Abstract

This is a comparative study of the meditation techniques between
Thai and Chinese Buddhist traditions. On the ground of the knowledge of
meditation practices in Pali and Chinese Buddhist canon and meditation
techniques prevalent in Thailand and China, this research is to find the
similarities and differences between them in way to organize meditation
practice, the theoretical basis for meditation techniques, and similar
meditation techniques in these two Buddhist traditions. This research finds
that both Thai and Chinese meditation masters try to bring meditation into
normal people’s daily life, by making meditation centers easily to reach,
reducing the importance of studying scriptures, and leading meditators’
being confidence in Nibbana. However, there are also some differences
between the meditation techniques in Thai and Chinese Buddhist Traditions.
In Thailand, meditation courses are normally organized by meditation
centers, while in China, temples are organizing meditation practices. What
is more, though there are some similar meditation techniques in these
two Buddhist traditions, such as contemplation on breathing, as well as
recitation of “Boddho” and Nian-fo, they are from different Buddhist texts
and belonging to different meditation subjects.