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by Dr. Thynn Thynn
......I was told by my Guru that the Samatha tradition started at the time of Buddha and descended from his great disciples Sariputta and Mogallana. The only literature I've found, relating to how it came to Burma, was a book written by a Burmese Samatha lineage holder. In that book his Master said that Samatha was introduced to Burma by the Arahat Mahinda from Sri Lanka, via the Mon Kingdom of Thaton in the south of Burma.
......The Samatha practice is unknown in the West, as the only tradition that was transported and popularized here is the Vipassana movement. However, among the lay Burmese, the Samatha tradition is the most ancient part of their spiritual culture and a more popular practice.
......Vipassana became a significant part of the lay Burmese Buddhist life only a little more than a hundred years ago. It was popularized through the teachings of Masters Ledi Sayadaw and Thaton Sae Ta-wun Sayadaw and others. Prior to the modern era, Vipassana as a practice was, more or less, confined to the monastics. However, texts describing Vipassana have been preserved all through the centuries.
......Going back to the lineage: it is also called the Inner Path as it has not been recorded or revealed in the Pali Canons. It can be said that it is only revealed to those who are born into or awakened to the lineage. It is handed down from generation to generation by Masters to disciples. Disciples are trained and groomed to hold the lineage and in time, they become Masters. They, in turn, train and groom their disciples to carry on the lineage. As far as my knowledge goes the lineage has not been broken for over a thousand years since Buddhism was introduced to Burma.
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