17
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Methods for reaching Jhana
The Theravada tradition recognizes forty meditation types for obtaining at least access concentration, found scattered throughout the Tipitaka and organized in the commentaries, as follows:
1-10: The ...
- 23.8k
15
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Why are Jhanas controversial?
The debate centres around the Theravada commentarial interpretation of the suttas along with the teachings in the Abhidhamma, Patisambhidamagga, and Visuddhimagga.
Basically, there are two schools of ...
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8
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Is it useful (and polite) to ask a potential meditation teacher about their attainments?
Worrying about whether something is polite or not is a hindrance. I am sure some practitioners would find it offensive but if they are offended that probably tells you all you need to know.
If you ...
- 1,775
8
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How to complete the first Jhana?
In my understanding of the instructions I received, for the first Jhana, you should switch your focus on the bliss and "say" to yourself: "wow, this is awesome, this is sublime, this is so peaceful, I ...
- 55.2k
7
votes
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What did the Buddha mean when he spoke about samma samadhi?
The Suttas usually define Samma-Samadhi as the four jhanas, but in some Suttas it gives a different explanation. For example, in the Mahacattarisa Sutta the Buddha said:
The Blessed One said: "Now ...
- 7,356
7
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How to 'Let Go' in Meditation?
Great question, you hit the nail on the head with this question.
The goal of Buddhist path is liberation of mind. Liberation of mind is cessation of grasping and attachment. Cessation of grasping and ...
- 55.2k
7
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Is attaining to Jhana possible for me?
I think you are misunderstanding the nature of jhanas. In your defense, this is a mistake made by almost everyone on a certain stage.
You think jhanas are some concrete states that are specific and ...
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7
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Among 9 jhanas which is deep sleep?
I've got a simple answer for you: Sleep is not a jhāna. The Buddha never says, not in Pāli not in Chinese not in Sanskrit, that sleep is a jhāna. Sleep is also not nibbāna. Sleep is also not nirodha. ...
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6
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Methods for reaching Jhana
It depends on how you understand the first and second jhanas. If, like me, you take them as glorified descriptions of being able to get yourself in a joyful mood deliberately, then there are bunch of ...
- 55.2k
6
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Accepted
Best books & articles for practicing jhanas
Have a look at:
Bhante Vimalaramsi
Thanissaro Bhikkhu
Forest Dhamma
Forest Sangha Publications
Buddhist eLibrary
Manual of Mindfulness of Breathing
6
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Accepted
The formless jhanas in this world
When a meditator achieves e.g. the 5th jhana of infinite space, is he
or she still in this world?
Yes, he doesn't disappear. When you sleep, you are not aware of what's happening around you. But ...
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6
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Accepted
Jhāna, seeing the welfare of self and other
Sangaravo Sutta: Sangarava -- The Hindrances (SN 46.55) says that.
It says that ...
he cannot know or see, as it really is, what is to his own profit, nor can he know and see what is to the ...
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6
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Did I get into a Jhana state?
I wouldn't worry about what it is or isn't and dont listen to what other people have to say about it either as everyone will have varying opinions and really they cannot know what you experience. You ...
- 2,730
6
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What is fruition in Buddhism?
Fruition is more related to the 4 stages of sainthood. This is realising of the fruit (Pala) of practice. What his means is you realized the path.
6
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What exacly is the so-called "formless" jhana?
Here is my understanding as of 2018.
When they say "form" (rupa) or "seed" (bija) in context of meditation, it's what we call an object of meditation these days. For example, your breath, an image of ...
- 55.2k
5
votes
Why are Jhanas controversial?
Also if you stick to the instruction mainly in the Tripitaka most of the Suttas on meditation contain reference to them hence they are important. As the Ven. Sir mentioned the controversy arises due ...
5
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How does one know that he's reached a Jhana level in Metta meditation?
IMO, you are mixing apples and oranges. Metta meditation is practiced towards "the state of brahmas" (AN 4.190 and AN 3.63), not one of the Four Jhanas. The "state of brahmas" (brahmapatta) is a state ...
- 55.2k
5
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Jhāna in the different branches of Buddhism
The word jhāna is Pali, so it stands to reason you wouldn't hear about it directly in other traditions. What you should be looking for are the following:
Sanskrit: dhyāna
Chinese: Chán (simplified ...
- 23.8k
5
votes
Accepted
Jhana practice and Dry insight practice together
It could be in any order:
"There is the case where a monk has developed insight preceded by tranquillity...Then there is the case where a monk has developed tranquillity preceded by insight...Then ...
- 9,473
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What is the difference between the progress of low and high intensive meditators?
I guess the short answer is that in general the more intensive meditation practice you do the more familiar you will become with the jhanas and the more insight you will experience. Larry Rosenberg in ...
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5
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Purpose beyond first Jhana?
Although the higher jhanas are not required, they're strongly encouraged by the Buddha evident in the high frequency with which they are mentioned throughout the suttas. Ven. Gunaratana in his "The ...
- 9,473
5
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What is the difference between a Vipassana Jhana and a Samatha Jhana?
There is no samatha jhana nor is there vipassana jhana mentioned in the suttas, I may have missed it!
There are the 4 rupa jhanas mentioned with each containing various jhana factors and 4 arupa ...
- 3,380
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In the Anapanasati Sutta what is meant by 'sensitive to rapture/bliss'?
I assume that by rapture and bliss you mean the Pali words Piti and Sukha.
Piti and Sukha are supposed to be comfortable and pleasant states of mind that arise whenever the mind is sufficiently calm, ...
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Why the Buddha abandoned asceticism
Maybe MN 26 is more relevant: towards the end of it, the Five ask questions like,
When this was said, the group of five monks replied to me, 'By that practice, that conduct, that performance of ...
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Did I get into a Jhana state?
Now i have anxiety attacks and at first was i was having an anxiety attack during the meditation.
This does not look like Jhana. Jhana is blissful. Sometimes you might experience Piti and Sukkha. ...
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