Mountain Cloud Zen Podcasts
Dharmatalk: Zen Jhanas with Stephen Snyder
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.
44:38
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Quick takeaways
- Jhana practice serves as a profound purification of the mind, forming a foundation for insight meditation and spiritual growth.
- The nine levels of jhana require dedication, concentration, and guidance to fully realize their transformational potential and deepen personal awareness.
Deep dives
Understanding Jhana Practice
Jhana practice is defined as a merging with an unconditioned state, which offers a profound purification of the mind, laying the foundation for insight meditation, or Vipassana. It is believed that jhana predated the Buddha and was practiced for many years before his time, gaining formal mention in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. The Buddha himself engaged in jhana meditation at various stages of his life, reporting it as a crucial aspect of his practice. This lineage emphasizes achieving a state devoid of ego and thoughts, focusing purely on awareness without concept.
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