Search found 395 matches

by IanAnd
Thu Oct 22, 2009 6:53 am
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: Jhana: sutta v commentary v abhidhamma
Replies: 34
Views: 17225

Re: Jhana: sutta v commentary v abhidhamma

I am, at this time much more inclined to think that we don't have to concern ourselves with "how do I go about practicing jhana" because if we follow the Buddha's instructions, if we practice in the manner he outlined, jhana will be the natural result.... Agreed. And, I speak from experie...
by IanAnd
Wed Oct 21, 2009 9:36 pm
Forum: General Theravāda Meditation
Topic: Inner speech
Replies: 7
Views: 2951

Re: Inner speech

In the course of my practice I've noticed that most of my thought processes become manifest with a "verbal" commentary in the mind. Of course this is not an earth-shattering revelation, everyone knows about this. I was reading Ajahn Brahm's book "Mindfulness, Bliss and Beyond" a...
by IanAnd
Mon Oct 19, 2009 10:57 pm
Forum: Samatha Bhāvana
Topic: Jhana: yes, no, neither, could be? Hmm?
Replies: 47
Views: 17031

Re: Jhana: yes, no, neither, could be? Hmm?

I am worried the people here are putting jhana up on some inaccessible pedestal. I assert that it is accessible, at least the first few jhanas, and accessible to the average practitioner as well. If it was as difficult as some make out, why would Buddha teach it? Yes, indeed. I agree, fully. The pr...
by IanAnd
Mon Oct 19, 2009 6:51 pm
Forum: Vipassanā / Satipaṭṭhāna Bhāvana
Topic: Does gaining an insight knowledge cause mental shock?
Replies: 19
Views: 7240

Re: Does gaining an insight knowledge cause mental shock?

Mental shock is not a visual experience and thus you do not see anything, it is a metaphorical flash, flash in consciousness. Such an experience occurs when one has train of thought in mental activity that is very surprising. For an example when one thinks of a reality [in] a way that he has never ...
by IanAnd
Mon Oct 19, 2009 7:14 am
Forum: Samatha Bhāvana
Topic: Jhana: yes, no, neither, could be? Hmm?
Replies: 47
Views: 17031

Re: Jhana: could be?

Now days I don't get the big body, nor the small body, sense anymore, but just a gradual awakening of the body as the mind also calms and latches onto the breath. A point comes where the breath and my attention do not separate, with the body feeling like a statue: present, relaxed, comfortable and ...