Clear Mountain Monastery Project
Becoming Indistractible: Maps of Jhāna & Controversies of Concentration
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.
49:03
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Quick takeaways
- Leigh Brasington emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong access concentration before transitioning to jhana to avoid distractions and ensure progress.
- He advocates for incorporating insight meditation alongside jhana practice to fully harness its benefits and address ego-centric views for deeper understanding.
Deep dives
Understanding Jhana and Its Interpretations
Jhana is described as eight altered states of consciousness achieved through concentration, leading to deeper concentration with each state. Lee Brazington highlights the different interpretations of jhana found in various Buddhist traditions, such as those of the Visuddhimaga versus sutta-style jhanas. He explains that while some teachers advocate a full-body awareness approach, he promotes a one-pointed focus, simplifying the meditation process and making it more accessible for practitioners. This distinction in understanding illustrates the divergence in methodologies among teachers, reflecting the complexity of teaching jhana effectively.
