Issue with my practice

stefan hans johansson, modified 9 Years ago at 3/25/15 1:39 PM
Created 9 Years ago at 3/25/15 1:19 PM

Issue with my practice

Posts: 2 Join Date: 3/25/15 Recent Posts
Hey guys

Im starting having issues with my developing with jhanas.

short info: Im using the sound of my breathing as a concentration tool, which works out great compared to the feeling. Also having my eyes opened while meditating.

Ive been meditating allot and havent had hard time to get close to the first jhana, the problem is though that i've found myself chasing the nimittas and cant focus solely on the sound.
It have become really an issue and i've started feeling some pain in my ears and straining due of the chasing..

does anyone have any good recommendation to get the bad habit away?


Thanks
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Andrew B, modified 9 Years ago at 3/25/15 1:34 PM
Created 9 Years ago at 3/25/15 1:34 PM

RE: Issue with my practice

Posts: 59 Join Date: 2/22/12 Recent Posts
The traditional Buddhist advice would be, I think, to acknowledge your distraction, then return your attention to the object of meditation. Do this over and over until your attention submits. Keep in mind that a major part of the practice is not just maintaining unwavering attention, but training yourself to return your attention to where you want it to be when it wanders. You may find this to be a more valuable and relevant skill than simply being able to drill your attention into a single point of focus.

If all else fails, however, there's nothing wrong with changing your object of attention to where your mind really wants to be.

I've also found it helpful to stop focusing so much on getting into jhana. From what I've read from other people all over these forums, jhana is not necessary for insight, and the ability to enter jhana actually improves after first path. Thus, I've found it more useful to focus on getting access concentration rather than jhana proper. When you sit, just sit with the intention of training your concentration, rather than trying to get anywhere in particular.

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