Korea Journal of Buddhist StudiesISSN:1598-0642(Print)불교학연구회

The purpose of this study is to clarify the difference of momentary concentration (khaṇika samādhi) between Pa-Auk method and Mahasi method. In the meditation way prescribed by Pa-Auk Sayadaw, momentary concentration can be attained in two ways. One is by focusing on single object. Momentary concentration emerges right before the access concentration as a preparatory sign. The other one is by exiting from aborption. Praticioners use this momentary concentration when proceeds the vipassanā practice. On the other hand, in the meditation method by Mahasi Sayadaw, practitioners achieve momentary absorption by developing concentration power through ways such as labeling objects etc. They are not focusing on one single object but labeling objects makes their mind staying on moving objects through conceptual way. Pratitioner can achieve momentary concentration by utilizing conceptual phenomenon. That is similar to Pa-Auk samatha practice where practioners use lights emerging when staying on a single object. Subsequently practitioners using the Mahashi method could develop elements of absorption by practicing not only vippasana, but also samatha. To sum up, practitioners of Pa-Auk method proceeds vipassanā using momentary concentration after exiting absorption, whereas those using Mahasi method proceed vipassanā without staying on absorption even though their concentration power is strong enough. Therefore, it could be concluded that regardless to the different starting point both methods share common elements; Helping practitioners to attain the absorption and practicing vipassanā with the power of momentary concentration. Difference is that Pa-Auk practice use momentary concentration from the preparatory stage before acccess concentation.