Brian Newman, a dedicated practitioner in the Pa-auk tradition, shares his transformative journey into deep jhāna meditation. He candidly discusses how his quest for better listening led him to rigorous training retreats in Asia. Engagingly, Newman contrasts traditional teachings with modern interpretations, emphasizing a more playful approach to accessing deep concentration. He also draws fascinating parallels between meditation and high-performance sports, showcasing the dedication required to master these profound states of awareness.
Brian Newman shares how his journey into deep jhāna meditation began with the goal of becoming a more attentive listener in his coaching career.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of community support and guidance through structured practices to help practitioners deepen their jhāna experiences effectively.
Newman advocates for a flexible understanding of jhāna as a spectrum, encouraging practitioners to explore personalized depths without being bound by rigid definitions.
Deep dives
Deepening Meditative Absorption
Attaining deep states of meditative absorption, known as jhanas, is highlighted as an achievable goal for practitioners in the episode. The importance of dedicated practice, including live weekly sessions led by experienced teachers, is emphasized as a way to foster a community focused on mastering jhana states. Specific examples from the speaker’s journey illustrate how commitment to this practice can lead to significant enhancements in mental clarity and meditative ability. The structured support within the community provides practitioners with the necessary guidance to deepen their practices collectively.
Origins of Meditation Practice
The speaker reflects on their personal journey into meditation, starting relatively late at age 38, driven by a desire to become a better listener in their profession as an executive coach. This initial motivation quickly transformed as they realized the loudness of their own mind, propelling them deeper into the pursuit of enlightenment. Influenced by pivotal literature, particularly Daniel Ingram's work, the speaker recounts how a single line ignited their dedication to mastering jhana. Through various retreats and learning from different traditions, the speaker's path exemplifies a common experience among practitioners seeking deeper connection and understanding.
The Role of Traditional Training
Training under various esteemed teachers, including a notable nun in the PAWAC tradition, shaped the speaker's approach to meditation and the jhana experience. The speaker describes rigorous practices, such as the three-hour sits, which are foundational in traditional training, revealing the high standards expected within these lineages. Their validation from experienced practitioners in such a prestigious tradition adds a layer of legitimacy to their attainments. This thorough grounding in traditional methods contrasted with a more modern understanding of jhana creates a rich tapestry of experience that informs the speaker's teaching.
Spectrum of Jhana Experiences
A key insight shared in the podcast is the recognition of jhana as a spectrum rather than a binary state of being in or out of jhana. The speaker advocates for a broader understanding of jhana experiences, suggesting that varying depths and flavors exist within the practice. This perspective encourages practitioners to explore their unique paths without being confined to rigid definitions or expectations. The discussion underlines the importance of adaptability in jhana practice, allowing individuals to engage with their experiences in a way that feels authentic and productive.
Practical Insights for Daily Life
The integration of jhana practice into everyday life emerges as a significant theme, with the speaker illustrating how they maintained access to jhana states during mundane activities. Practical suggestions are offered for how to engage with jhana while navigating daily responsibilities, emphasizing a balance between deep concentration and everyday interactions. The speaker's candid experiences reveal the challenges of staying present and meditative amidst life’s distractions, shedding light on the potential benefits of jhana practice in enhancing daily experiences. Ultimately, this approach encourages practitioners to see jhana as accessible and beneficial for not just retreat scenarios but all aspects of life.
In this episode of Buddhist Geeks, Brian Newman discusses his journey into deep jhāna meditation practice. He explores his training in the rigorous Pa-auk tradition, the challenges and breakthroughs he experienced, and the balance between traditional and more modern approaches to jhāna, ultimately advocating for a playful, less rigid approach to accessing these deep states of concentration.
