Differences in meditation technique? Theravada ver Vajrayana

General discussion, particularly exploring the Dharma in the modern world.
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upasaka
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Joined: Mon May 02, 2011 10:47 am

Differences in meditation technique? Theravada ver Vajrayana

Post by upasaka »

What are the differences between shamatha and vipassana meditations thought in theravada and vajrayana tradition?

Are there any? Or is the technique of these meditations same in both traditions?

It seems to me, that in theravada traditons, these meditations are thought at the beginning of the training, while in vajrayana tradition these meditations are consider to be quite advance. And yet, from vajrayana POV is theravada far inferior to vajrayana... ;) :rolleye:

Thank you for your reactions. :anjali:
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Josef
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Joined: Thu Jan 07, 2010 6:44 pm

Re: Differences in meditation technique? Theravada ver Vajrayana

Post by Josef »

Shamatha and vipassana are beginning techniques in Vajrayana as well.
The only real differences are scope and methods. Vajrayana includes all methods of Theravada and Mahayana, as well as many more.
"All phenomena of samsara depend on the mind, so when the essence of mind is purified, samsara is purified. Since the phenomena of nirvana depend on the pristine consciousness of vidyā, because one remains in the immediacy of vidyā, buddhahood arises on its own. All critical points are summarized with those two." - Longchenpa
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