Clear Mountain Monastery Project

Becoming Indistractible: Maps of Jhāna & Controversies of Concentration

5 snips
Dec 5, 2024
Leigh Brasington, a seasoned meditation teacher and author, shares insights from his extensive journey in mindfulness. He uncovers the intriguing interpretations of jhāna, discussing altered states of consciousness and the concept of 'one-pointedness' in meditation. Practical advice on nurturing concentration through pleasant sensations is highlighted. Brasington also challenges conventional views on jhāna's fluid nature, encouraging a personal engagement with Buddhist teachings. His approach emphasizes the balance between breath, jhāna, and insight, offering a roadmap to becoming indistractible in meditation.
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ADVICE

Entering First Jhāna

  • Generate "access concentration" by focusing on a single object, like the breath, without distraction.
  • Then, switch to a pleasant sensation (pīti) and maintain focus on it.
INSIGHT

Challenges of Accessing Jhāna

  • Accessing the first jhāna in daily life can be challenging and often requires retreat practice.
  • Many struggle with prematurely switching to pleasant sensation before establishing stable concentration.
ADVICE

Finding Pleasant Sensation

  • Find a pleasant sensation, often a warm, tingling glow in the hands, and focus on it.
  • If physical pleasure is absent, use mental pleasure, like mettā or a pleasant memory.
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