Clear Mountain Monastery Project

Swipe Left on Saṃsāra — Jhānas, Emptiness, & Leaving Your Cellphone Behind | Shaila Catherine Q&A

Apr 10, 2025
Guest
Shaila Catherine
Shaila Catherine, founder of Insight Meditation South Bay, shares her extensive meditation journey. She delves into the nuances of jhāna, emphasizing its evolution in Western practice. Digital distractions, especially cell phones, are discussed as barriers to deep meditation. Shaila also highlights the importance of self-inquiry in understanding true desires and explores the ethical aspects of spirituality, including diet. Her insights offer listeners practical strategies for cultivating mental clarity and engaging fully with their meditation practice.
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ANECDOTE

Profound Teaching with HWL Poonja

  • Shaila Catherine shared a profound experience with teacher HWL Poonja where she was asked, "What do you want?" and she replied, "the experience of emptiness."
  • This moment deepened her commitment to liberation beyond mere experience of emptiness, showing the power of direct transmission.
INSIGHT

Evolution of Understanding Jhāna

  • The term "jhāna" became more recognized over 15 years, allowing Shaila to retitle her book to directly reflect its content.
  • Clear definitions are critical as many use "jhāna" loosely, causing misunderstanding.
ADVICE

Basic Instruction to First Jhāna

  • To enter first jhāna, direct and sustain attention steadily on the breath in one area, allowing hindrances to fall away naturally.
  • Trust the arising joy and pleasure that come with concentrated mind instead of seeking sensations elsewhere.
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