Draft:Samatha Trust

The Samatha Trust is a British organization dedicated to the practice and teaching of Samatha meditation, a traditional form of Theravāda Buddhist meditation emphasizing mental calmness and concentration. The organization was co-founded by Nai Boonman Poonyathiro, a Thai national and former monk, alongside the renowned Buddhist scholar L. S. Cousins. Established in 1973, the Samatha Trust is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) that aims to promote meditative practice and Buddhist study within the Samatha-Vipassanā tradition.

Historical Background & Lineage

The Samatha method, which has its origins in ancient India, developed extensively in Thailand, where it became associated with Boran Kammatthana (an esoteric meditation tradition). The decline of Southern Esoteric Buddhism in the 19th century was driven by the rise of reformed Buddhism, particularly efforts to establish stricter monastic discipline and eliminate folk religious elements. One major influence was the Sri Lankan Anuradhapura Maha Viharaya school, which had undergone its own reforms in the 12th century under Parakramabahu I. This school, heavily influenced by the 5th-century scholar Buddhaghosa, was regarded as the orthodox interpretation of Theravāda Buddhism and viewed other Buddhist practices as unorthodox. These reforms reinforced monastic discipline, leading to a decline in esoteric Buddhist practices and the production of non-canonical texts.

Further suppression occurred under the French colonial empire, which ruled Cambodia and continued the policy of marginalizing pre-reform Cambodian Buddhism. Despite these efforts, traditional esoteric practices persisted in rural areas. However, the devastation caused by the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia and religious repression in Communist Laos inflicted additional damage on these traditions.

In 1963, Nai Boonman introduced the practice to Britain, where it gained a following and led to the establishment of the Samatha Trust. The organization has since worked to preserve and adapt these traditional techniques for modern practitioners while maintaining the integrity of its Thai Theravāda lineage.

Meditation Approach & Teachings

Unlike many contemporary forms of mindfulness-based meditation, Samatha emphasizes visualization techniques, breath control, and mantra recitation to cultivate deep states of tranquility (samādhi). It is considered part of the Southern Esoteric Buddhist tradition and is rooted in pre-reform meditation practices that were historically passed down through monastic lineages in Thailand. The Samatha Trust continues to teach these methods through structured meditation courses and retreats, aiming to help practitioners develop inner strength, clarity, and insight.

Present Activities & Outreach

Today, the Samatha Trust operates meditation centers and training programs across the UK, providing instruction in Samatha meditation to both beginners and advanced practitioners. The Trust also engages in academic research and publications, contributing to the broader understanding of Theravāda meditation traditions. Through its work, the organization seeks to balance traditional Buddhist teachings with contemporary spiritual exploration, ensuring that these ancient techniques remain relevant and accessible to modern audiences.