Daniel, as always, brings up some good points re: the three characteristics, path attainments, and such.
Daniel M. Ingram:
The thought stream is really interesting. While opinions vary on exactly what is possible, I will claim that to completely stop the thought stream while concentrating on any formed or formless jhana is not possible, though one can reduce it to a very subtle, very background, very tiny and quiet thing that causes no significant interruptions in concentration for long periods.
I would agree with that highlighted assessment. What I was referring to, through using the terminology of mentioning "monkey mind," was the non-verbal integrity of the state of silence, not necessarily that thought itself altogether stopped. That latter is reading too much into my comment (something that goes on far too much around places like this; although it's an easy mistake to make).
Daniel M. Ingram:
This just takes work, and for many, retreat conditions, resolutions, good instruction, and the like.
And I wholeheartedly agree with this statement, especially the element of
secluded retreat conditions, as nothing beats silence when attempting to quiet the mind and develop concentration. It
can be done while in society, but only if you are willing and have the space to create your own retreat situation whereby you are not disturbed/bothered by radio and television, neighbors, other people in your immediate vicinity disturbing the silent atmosphere that you have created for yourself to work within. That's what I mean by "seclusion." Cut off and in your own little world where you can pay steady and regular attention to the movements of the mind in normal everyday circumstances. What Daniel described as:
Daniel M. Ingram:
...how well one sees the Three Characteristics of phenomena, including all the subtle things that make up thoughts, intentions, analyses, mental impressions, memories, and the processes that make up the focusing of attention itself, as well as all the other phenomena that make up the sense field.
All of these phenomena described in the quote above I call "movements of the mind," categorizing them all under one blanket descriptive phrase. I like the fact, though, that Daniel specifies (clarifies) which "movements" are happening.