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

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?

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

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.

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