The interface of samatha and vipassanā in the Insight Meditation methods of Goenka, Mahāsī, Mogok and Pa Auk

Four Burmese masters of the Insight Meditation Movement—Goenka, Mogok, Pa Auk, and Mahāsī—held different views on the relationship between samatha (concentration) and vipassanā (wisdom) in meditation. Goenka and Mogok taught a brief samatha practice before vipassanā, Pa Auk required achieving the four jhanās (deep absorptions) first, while Mahāsī taught vipassanā without preparatory samatha, relying on momentary concentration for insight. These approaches reflect distinct theoretical understandings and practical methods shaped by their political-historical context.

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Abstract

This article traces interface among four renowned Burmese masters of the Insight Meditation Movement, its political-historical context, and their distinct theoretical understandings and practical ways of dealing with two interrelated aspects of meditation: samatha (concentration) and vipassanā (wisdom). Two main approaches are found: samatha as a preparation for vipassanā, and vipassanā without samatha as a prerequisite. Whereas Goenka and Mogok promulgate a short practice of samatha, Pa Auk focuses on achieving the four jhanās (deep samatha absorption) before vipassanā can be practiced. By contrast, Mahāsī teaches vipassanā without preparatory samatha (dry insight), as momentary concentration develops the required level for insight practice.