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Jhana cultivation and insight

Jhana cultivation and insight
Answer
5/5/10 7:29 AM
hello,
Recently i have been meditating and shifting through the jhanas 1 to 4 with no real set plan just an investigation and seeing how far i can go. Ive now made the resolve to cultivate 1st jhana and untill i completely do so i plan on staying there. My only problem is that i am a novice in regards to cultivation,experience and technique. I only use breath as my object and wish to know about kasinas and their uses. Can anyone shed some light on this subject or offer a web site?
Also, i am due to go to a Mahashi insight retreat in the summer so could you offer any advice on preperation before i go as in any meditation tips as to ensure i get the best from my time there.
Thankyou

RE: Jhana cultivation and insight
Answer
5/5/10 10:19 AM as a reply to zim zim.
Here is a link for a recent thread on the subject which includes some external links:

http://www.dharmaoverground.org/web/guest/discussion/-/message_boards/message/421228#_19_message_417654

A search of the threads should turn up more.

When using the breath to attain jhanas 1 through 4, did you do this just by watching the breath at the spot below the nose/above the lip area?

RE: Jhana cultivation and insight
Answer
5/6/10 1:15 AM as a reply to Eric B.
Hi,
When attaining the jhanas i begin with nose only then once deeper in i begin to use the lip part as heavy breathing usually begins and makes it easier for me to concentrate and keep hold of. Is that a bit wacky?

RE: Jhana cultivation and insight
Answer
5/6/10 11:43 AM as a reply to zim zim.
zim zim:
Hi,
When attaining the jhanas i begin with nose only then once deeper in i begin to use the lip part as heavy breathing usually begins and makes it easier for me to concentrate and keep hold of. Is that a bit wacky?


No, not wacky at all.

RE: Jhana cultivation and insight
Answer
5/5/10 3:16 PM as a reply to zim zim.
Jhanas: there are quite a few good threads in the Concentration Section of the forum. Even better, ask you own questions there. Also, Kenneth Folk Dharma has a lot of good stuff on Jhana, and experienced people on the forum.

Retreat preparations: check out Tarin's Reformed Slackers Guide to Stream Entry.

Cheers,
Florian

RE: Jhana cultivation and insight
Answer
5/11/10 5:02 AM as a reply to zim zim.
zim zim:

Also, i am due to go to a Mahashi insight retreat in the summer so could you offer any advice on preperation before i go as in any meditation tips as to ensure i get the best from my time there.
Thankyou


Do you mean Mahasi above. If that is the case, you should work on your noting practice instead.
http://dharmaoverground.org/web/guest/dharma-wiki/-/wiki/Main/Mahasi%20Noting?p_r_p_185834411_title=Mahasi%20Noting

Mahasi centers do not teach Jhana. The teacher will likely ask you temporary put aside your Jhana practice, revert to the noting practice and report your experience accordingly.

Peong