Did British Colonialism Give Birth to the Modern Meditation Craze? The Burmese Story You Didn’t Know

Meditation is everywhere these days, from corporate boardrooms to wellness apps, but the true origins of modern mindfulness might surprise you. Behind the global phenomenon lies a complex history that traces back to British colonial rule in Burma – a history that's often overlooked but is crucial to understanding how meditation became what it is today.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Burma was under British control. As colonial forces tightened their grip, many traditional Burmese practices came under threat, and Buddhism was no exception. In response, influential Burmese monks sought to preserve their heritage, and in doing so, they made a pivotal shift – one that would forever change how meditation was taught and practiced. These monks began simplifying complex meditation techniques, making them more accessible to laypeople. Among the most influential was the revered monk Ledi Sayadaw, who reimagined meditation for a broader audience. Instead of being a practice reserved only for monks, meditation began to spread among ordinary Burmese people, thanks to this new, simplified approach.

But why did this transformation happen? Many historians argue that British colonialism played a key role. As Western missionaries and colonial officials introduced new ideas, including Christianity and modern education, there was pressure to "modernize" and secularize traditional Buddhist practices. The response from monks like Ledi Sayadaw was both practical and revolutionary. By making meditation accessible, they ensured the survival of Burmese Buddhism and its spread beyond monastery walls. Yet, as much as this change was a defense against colonialism, it was also influenced by Western thought.

Fast forward to the mid-20th century, and this Burmese meditation model had reached the shores of the West. Influential teachers like U Ba Khin and his student S.N. Goenka took these teachings global, adapting them for audiences in Europe and North America. But it all started with a colonial-era struggle for cultural survival in Burma. The very techniques being used by CEOs and stressed-out professionals today have roots in a turbulent period of history when Buddhist monks faced immense challenges to preserve their way of life.

What’s particularly intriguing is how meditation, once a deeply spiritual practice rooted in centuries of Burmese tradition, became a tool for self-help, stress relief, and even corporate productivity in the West. In adapting to modern demands, the teachings evolved yet again, stripped of their original religious context in many cases and packaged as secular mindfulness. And while this version of meditation has exploded in popularity, its connection to British colonialism in Burma remains largely forgotten.

So, did British colonialism give birth to modern meditation? In many ways, yes. Without the pressures of colonization, it’s unlikely that Burmese meditation would have transformed in the way it did, making it possible for the practice to spread across the world. What began as a strategy for cultural preservation evolved into a global movement, forever altering how we think about meditation today. And the next time you sit down to meditate or hear about mindfulness at work, remember that its roots stretch back not just to ancient times, but to a moment in history shaped by colonial power and resistance.