Clear Mountain Monastery Project Becoming Indistractible: Maps of Jhāna & Controversies of Concentration
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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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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.
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.
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.
