ABOUT PA AUK TRADITION

The Pa Auk tradition of Theravāda Buddhism, originating from Myanmar, places a strong emphasis on deep meditation practice, particularly the development of samatha (concentration) and vipassanā (insight). This tradition is rooted in the teachings of the Buddha as outlined in the Pali Canon, and it follows the Visuddhimagga (The Path of Purification) as a comprehensive guide to meditation practice.

The Pa Auk tradition is particularly known for its rigorous and detailed approach to jhana (absorption) practice in samatha meditation, followed by systematic vipassanā techniques aimed at gaining insight into the nature of reality—such as the impermanence (anicca), suffering (dukkha), and non-self (anatta) of all phenomena. Practitioners are guided through these stages in a structured manner.

THE MOST VENERABLE PA AUK SAYADAW

At the forefront of this tradition is Venerable Pa Auk Sayadaw, one of the most respected meditation masters in contemporary Theravāda Buddhism. Born in 1934 in Myanmar, Venerable Pa Auk Sayadaw ordained as a novice monk at the age of 10 and became a fully ordained monk at 20, dedicating his life to mastering the Dhamma and meditation.  He became renowned for his profound understanding of both concentration and insight practices.

Pa Auk Sayadaw led Pa Auk Tawya Monastery, which has become an international meditation center attracting monastics and laypeople from around the world. His teachings emphasize a thorough approach to meditation, guiding practitioners step-by-step through the jhanas and leading them to a direct understanding of the Dhamma through personal insight.

Over the years, Pa Auk Sayadaw’s deep knowledge of Dhamma has earned him international respect.  He has traveled extensively, teaching meditation to both monastics and laypeople in countries around the world, including the U.S., Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Europe. His teachings have inspired meditation practitioners globally, helping them through the systematic step-by-step practices outlined in the Theravāda tradition.

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