Which are the best books and/or articles for practicing the jhanas?
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Please add list of good books from the following arahants: Mogok Sayadaw U Vimala Sunlun Sayadaw U Kavi– muraliAug 25, 2016 at 5:23
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4 Answers
Have a look at:
answered Jan 8, 2015 at 13:36
Suminda Sirinath S. DharmasenaSuminda Sirinath S. Dharmasena
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1May I also add to this list "Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha" by Daniel Ingram which has some very hopeful and practical advice for the modern layman/woman trying to cultivate. Daniel is a doctor who says jhana helped a lot during med school. I interviewed Daniel and he's a real awesome compassionate guy.– AhmedJan 10, 2015 at 4:16
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@Ahmed, at the risk of going off topic, in what context dd you interview Daniel? Was it a public interview, by which I mean, is it available anywhere to listen to or read?– tkpJan 11, 2015 at 2:26
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It was a year back and i hit record and my recorder malfunctioned. I asked him some really practical questions about "what does enlightenment feel like?" "How to get jhana in the heat of daily life?" Etc Im trying to get another interview with him.. If i do ill let you know..– AhmedJan 11, 2015 at 2:48
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I have this book by Ajahn Brahm (Mindfulness, Bliss and Beyond) which has probably the best description and methods of the topic of Jhana but even better meditation techniques to achieve Jhana. Link below. Hope this helps.
http://www.bookdepository.com/Mindfulness-Bliss-Beyond-Ajahn-Brahm/9780861712755
Metta
I found the following to be very useful:
Books
Shaila Catherine writes with a precision and clarity that is missing from most texts on the subject. Great meditation manual as well as guide to the Jhanas. Shaila and Ayya Khema mentioned below seem to write from deep personal experience and this is backed up by their personal histories of practice.
Ayya Khema combines clear and concise instructions that are, for the most part, are a commentary on sections of the Potthapada Sutta that expound on the Jhanas.
Articles
I would recommend the book "Practicing The Jhanas" by Tina Rasmussen and Stephen Snyder.
They were both students of Pa Auk Sayadaw and undertook a Samatha Meditation Course under his guidance. Here they achieved the 4 material jhanas and the 4 immaterial jhanas.
The book is streamlined and direct. Not much beating around the bush. They often refer to their own practice and how they trained under Pa Auk Sayadaw. This functions well.
They give lots of useful information and guidance regarding the practice of the Jhanas. I have taken a screenshot of the table of contents so you can see what the book contains.
