Pejn:
Post-SE It is almost like I cannot nap anymore. I slip into meditation instead, by just a twist in the awareness. I would call it vipassana rather than jhana, but it is probably a mix.
This is my experience, but I don't have SE yet. Im most often somewhere in equanimity with occasional dips into the DN and down to A&P again.
Dodge:
I've spent lots of time in jhana, going up and down the 'arc', but also in vipassana. In fact I would say a lot of good practise has been done during these times.
Yep. Often it seems like good practice. The first time this happened was the first time I crossed the DN into EQ. Sometimes the body-mind just wants to meditate, and there's not much I can do to control it.
Dodge:
Also during 'normal' sleep I quite often wake up in jhana, or am woken up and find myself 'rising' into some state. I haven't quite worked out what it is yet.
Yes! This has happened to me a couple of times as well. Like you I've not really got a handle on it yet though. I get the impression it happens way more often than I realise.
Dodge:
I can see how you would find this a nuisance, but look on the bright side Mr. Bagpuss, at least you are getting good at samatha!
Agreed. I do seem to have finally got it, and it looks like my mind likes it very much...
Null Velle:
Whether it is a good idea to do this or not depends on the type of jhana you're referring to. Since you're presumably feeling drowsy in these situations, it is very possible that you are cultivating a jhana of hindrances, and that is obviously not what you should be doing. A better alternative is a body scan type of practice. In this situation, those practices are less prone to wrong concentration pitfalls, and will aid in the relaxation and fading out of the senses ... done properly, you will fall asleep quickly and mindfully. Later, after awakening mindfully-- with a mind well rested, and alert-- you may practice jhana properly.
I don't really feel drowsy. It feels pretty zingy really. Pretty much the same thing I feel when I do it on purpose.
Body scanning is my primary vipassana practice. I can't imagine how it could aid sleep, so I imagine we're talking about slightly different techniques. Can you elaborate a bit on this practice please Null?
Thanks everyone,