Concentration is the final element listed in the Eightfold Path – and throughout our practice life some degree of concentration is necessary to be able to look deeply into the workings of the mind. This may range from the amount of attention necessary to read a book (Ajahn Cha) to the profound absorptions of the jhanas (Pa Auk Sayadaw). This week, Don guided our reflections utilizing excerpts from a talk by one of the leading Western teachers of the jhanas in the present day, Leigh Brasington, who covered what to cultivate and what to move beyond in the first three stages of jhana meditation.
You can listen to Leigh’s talk here: https://www.dharmaseed.org/talks/76538/
Disclaimer for jhana practice discussion:
- Jhana practice is not suitable for everyone for a variety of reasons. Only you can decide what is best for you.
- I have no ambition to become a dharma teacher. You should go to my sources if you want more information.
- This is a basic theravada tool not a “cub-scout-merit-badge-of-attainment.” If you are proud of being able to do this, you have totally missed the point.
- The prerequisite, quieting down the mind, is useful by itself.
- Insight practice could get better as a result. Observe your mind as you come out of jhana, see your habitual patterns as they start up.
- Find your own “center-of-gravity”. Some practitioners may want to emphasize different things (or nothing whatever.) Some traditions (E.G. Vajrayana & Zen) do not teach jhana at all.
- Excessive intense practice is not recommended. Here are websites that deal with meditation gone wrong. Go to Dr. Willoughby Britton & https://www.cheetahhouse.org/ website or do a google search and look for discussion of “Zen Sickness”. Unproductive meditation is a real thing.
