Mountain Cloud Zen Podcasts Dharmatalk: Zen Jhanas with Stephen Snyder
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Dec 13, 2022 Join Stephen Snyder, a seasoned teacher in Jhana practice and coauthor of Practicing the Jhānas, as he unpacks the deep roots and transformative power of concentration meditation. He explores how Jhana predates Buddhism, serving as a precursor to the Zen lineage. Listeners learn about the essence of meditative absorption, the significance of present-moment awareness, and how breath techniques cultivate relaxation. Stephen guides us through the intricate layers of meditation, emphasizing the synthesis of traditional practices with modern mental wellness.
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Jhana Defined
- Jhana is a no-self merger with a specific unconditioned state, purifying the mind before Vipassana.
- It predates the Buddha by 1,000+ years and was his first and last practice, central to early Buddhism.
Finding Jhana
- Stephen Snyder stumbled into Theravada Buddhism after 20 years of Zen practice, seeking the Buddha's actual practice.
- This search led him to Jhana and his teacher, Pa Auk Sayadaw.
Present Moment Focus
- Practice being present, avoiding dwelling on past regrets or future hopes.
- Focus on the now to minimize craving and advance meditation.