What is the name in Pāli and Sanskrit for the ‘body scanning’ meditation technique?

Question

I would like to research this method in historical texts, but any search on google for ‘body scan’ only returns results related to the modern vipassana movement.

So far as I know... A particular "scanning " technique is not from the suttas (all of which only ask for witnessing rise and passing away of sensations amongst the other three)... But from the Burmese school..definately UBa Khin. — ARi, Nov 15 '15 at 07:00
By historical text, my interest is not limited to sutras but also any commentary, termas, or other references—just anything that isn't related to the modern vipassana movement. Thanks. — Quinn Comendant, Nov 15 '15 at 20:03
That's exactly what my apprehension is : Are we sure this term is not coined by the modern vipassana movement.Why don't you email the SN Goenka website. — ARi, Nov 16 '15 at 13:44
I'm not familiar with the technique. Are you referring to the scanning of the body as per the Mahasatipattha Sutta? The section on Kayanupassana includes mindfulness of breathing, mindfulness of the postures, contemplation of impurities (i.e. the organs, bone, skin, teeth, bodily fluids, etc.), and some others. — , Nov 17 '15 at 15:23
While I think the technique is most commonly experienced by attendees of Goenka’s 10-day vipassana retreats I have also heard it from other Theravada teachers. This article includes a description of it in the Goenka style, but therein it is generically called “vipassanā meditation”. The practice is obviously applied as part of the four applications of mindfulness (Satipatthana Sutta)—to the body, observing tactile sensations without mental projections—which is core vipassana, but the “scanning” modality, is it modern? — Quinn Comendant, Nov 18 '15 at 17:53
SNGoenka is very particular about the scanning part which has to be done consciously...Whereas Mahasatpatthana sutta only asks the monk to be aware of the sensations. — ARi, Nov 27 '15 at 12:02

score 2 · Answer 1 · answered Nov 14 '15 at 22:29

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Kayagata-sati Sutta. Buddha was explicit that breathing is part of the body, so anapanasati is a sub-set of body scanning.

answered Nov 14 '15 at 22:29

sargon

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kaya = body, kayagata = relating to body – sargon Nov 14 '15 at 22:33
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Spelled kāya according to the PTS dictionary – ChrisW Nov 14 '15 at 22:34
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i'm on a roll ( :-) )(my observation) ; anapanasati is a sub-set of kayagata-sati. kayagata-sati is a sub-set of four satipatthana. four satipatthana is a part of magga 8. magga 8 is part of four noble thruths. – sargon Nov 15 '15 at 02:08
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@dean alkas I guess it ends with the Four Nobel Truths. – Lowbrow Nov 15 '15 at 22:10
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@ Uilium , i think 4 noble truths is part of dhamma (nature) .. almost certain. again, my observation. not sure if dhamma is part of anything else tho. – sargon Nov 15 '15 at 22:50

score 1 · Answer 2 · answered Nov 17 '15 at 14:07

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"Kayanupassana" comming under "Chathu Satipatthana". You can find detailed discription in "Maha Satipatthana Sutta"

Also refer and search for "Anapanasati Meditation".

Refer:http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.118.than.html

answered Nov 17 '15 at 14:07

Buddhi Kavindra

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Which part of Maha Satipatthana Sutta are you referring to? – michau Nov 17 '15 at 15:13
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To the part that explains about "Kayanupassana" – Buddhi Kavindra Nov 18 '15 at 16:17
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I searched for "Kayanupassana" in the translation you linked to and didn't find anything. Could you tell me how to find it in the document? – michau Nov 18 '15 at 21:39
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Please refer to "Body" section. http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/dn/dn.22.0.than.html#body – Buddhi Kavindra Nov 19 '15 at 05:39

What is the name in Pāli and Sanskrit for the ‘body scanning’ meditation technique?

2 Answers2