Buddhist Geeks

Nut Job Jhāna with Brian Newman

Sep 16, 2024

44:55

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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.

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Quick takeaways

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.

Focus is the Key to Zen

01:21

Seek and Release: The Path Beyond Attainment

01:24

Intro

2min

Journey Through Jhana Meditation

23min

Navigating Meditative Depths

8min

Meditation Mastery: Insights from Sports

4min

Exploring the Depths of Jhana

7min

Exploring Breath and Jhāna in Meditation Practice

2min

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.

Episode Links:

👤 Brian Newman

🔗 Appamāda Viharī Meditation Center

👤 Sayalay Susīlā

👤 Pa-auk Sayadaw

👤 Kenneth Folk

📖 Grist for the Mill by Ram Dass & Stephen Levine

📖 Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha by Daniel M. Ingram

🎧 Mastering the Jhānas with Tina Rasmussen & Stephen Snyder

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