A Study of Concentration (Samādhi) in the Light of Myanmar Theravāda Buddhist Meditation Teachers

               This qualitative research work has three major objectives: (1) to study definition, types and relevance of concentration in Buddhist Texts. (2) to study the structure of  Samādhibhāvanā  Sutta and development of mundane and supra mundane concentration in related suttas. (3) to study the concept of concentration in the light of three meditation Teachers of Myanmar, Ledi Sayadaw, Mahasi Sayadaw and Pa Auk Sayadaw.

               Findings were as follows:

               After doing this research, the meaning of concentration in Buddhism is a state of mind, which has one pointedness objectives. It can be divided into various types depends on different components and the level. According to Samādhibhāvanā Sutta, it can be found four types of cultivation methods and benefits, which can lead from mundane concentration to supra-mundane concentration. The practice of concentration is to cultivate Samatha and Vipassanā in order to apply our daily life of practice which raises lots of benefits such as dwelling with happiness here and now and it leads to gain enlightenment. Therefore, this research work explore the correct way of concentration practice andthe way to practice for insight meditation taught by the Ledi Sayadaw, Mahasi Sayadaw and Pa Auk Sayadaw in Myanmar.

               However, in this research, there are some different methods of practice by those prominence three meditation masters. Especially, their attitudes on the concentration to practice meditation are slightly different. Ledi Sayadaw taught to practice concentration momentary or access concentration depends on the situation. Mahasi Sayadaw more emphasized on insight meditation with momentary concentration. However, Pa Auk Sayadaw strongly gives instruction to practice access concentration.