UNDERSTANDING EPISTEMIC AND PRAGMATIC DIMENSIONS OF MEDITATION IN BUDDHISM

Abstract

Meditation is central to the life story and teachings of Gautama Buddha. It is linked with Buddhism, so people ask whether Buddhism is even a religion or if it is more accurate to render it a sort of Asian-derived, introspective “science of mind.” This perception has gained traction, especially in contemporary societies burdened with the strains of modern life. However, this interpretation of meditation carries a certain level of ambiguity in its usage. The term “meditation” is sometimes used interchangeably with mental contemplation or activities focused on transforming the mind’s state of alertness. Yet, within traditional Buddhism, a notable distinction exists between samatha practices—which aim to cultivate emotional tranquility, mental serenity, and heightened concentration—and vipassanā practices, designed to augment mindfulness and analyze psychological and physical processes. A solid foundation of textual knowledge is essential to engage in the practices of samatha and vipassanā. Applying these practices effectively demands guided techniques under the supervision of a meditation instructor because any standardized text cannot convey this skill of a subtle nature. In light of these considerations, the present paper endeavors to uncover the epistemological (Pariyatti) and pragmatic (Patipatti) dimensions of Buddhist meditation, drawing from the Pali canon and the classical texts of Southern (Theravāda) Buddhism.