Buddhist Geeks Nut Job Jhāna with Brian Newman
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Sep 16, 2024 
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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Brian's Meditation Journey
- Brian Newman began meditation at 38 to improve listening skills and quickly shifted focus to enlightenment.
- He trained in diverse traditions and pursued rigorous Pa-auk jhāna teaching, discovering a hardcore nun as his key teacher.
Simplicity and Rigor in Pa-auk
- Traditional Pa-auk jhāna training is brutally simple: "focus here," emphasizing patience and strict discipline.
- Western practitioners often struggle due to psychological distractions unlike the reverent and direct practice in Asia.
Use Jhānic Handles Strategically
- Strictly "focus here" becomes fertile by exploring jhānic factors as entry points you can leverage.
- Use sensory handles like auditory ringing (nada) to deepen concentration and access jhāna states.