Tricycle Talks
Sarah Shaw on the Jhanas and Awakening through Joy
Aug 10, 2022
In this enlightening conversation, Sarah Shaw, a lecturer at the University of Oxford and editor of Lance Cousins' influential work, dives into the world of Buddhist meditation. She reveals fascinating insights about the jhanas, emphasizing their role in achieving inner peace and mindfulness. Shaw passionately discusses the overlooked importance of joy in meditation, likening it to a crucial ingredient that enriches spiritual practice. Additionally, she explores the harmony between Samatha and Vipassana meditation, shedding light on their complementary benefits.
49:29
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Quick takeaways
- Lance Cousins' work highlights the importance of joy, or 'piti,' as a transformative element in Buddhist meditation practices.
- The jhanas serve as crucial meditative states that facilitate a deeper understanding and comprehensive practice of both samatha and vipassana.
Deep dives
The Legacy of Lance Cousins
Lance Cousins was a distinguished scholar who contributed significantly to the understanding of Buddhist meditation, particularly within the Theravada tradition. His dual identity as both a scholar and a practitioner shaped his comprehensive knowledge, as he distinguished his academic work from personal practices. His book, 'Meditations of the Pali Tradition,' explores ancient meditation systems and emphasizes the importance of joyful engagement in practice, which was often sidelined in Western discussions. Through his research and teachings, Cousins bridged the gap between academic scholarship and meditation practice, revealing the nuanced interplay between the two.
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