How to break through A&P, piti/kundalini/chakra experiences - Discussion
Hi, after about two weeks of vipassana Mahasi noting, I think I'm approaching the A&P -- though I'm not 100% sure of this. Here is what is happening:
- During one sitting I suddenly found myself able to comfortably sit for 60 minutes which I never thought would happen (was previously sitting for only 30 minutes). Ever since this I've been sitting for 60 mins and a strong motivation has arisen...
- I follow the breath at the abdomen as closely and presently as possible without labeling 'rising/falling' but just noticing the sensation of movement. Between breaths, I focus on the sensation of 'sitting'. If I put in a boost of effort and notice 'sitting' in as many moments as possible, my body starts to vibrate/shake and there is upwards pressure focused in the head. However, as soon as I stop noting, the vibrations ease and I'm back to before. This hasnt yet happened while noting the breath, only when noting sitting - I haven't yet experiences the breathing sensations as vibrations.
- Some piti/kundalini (interchangeble?) sensations arising and have experienced pressure in the chakra regions (solar plexus, heart, throat, third eye moving upwards in this order). This has been quite distracting and it is dificult to note the breath as a primary object, should I ignore the piti and continue focusing on the abdomen or use piti as primary object (I'm weary of inducing jhana vs A&P)
- A&P vs jhana/shamatha: I'm trying to detemine whether this is truly A&P territory, or whether my concentration has increased and actually I have been experiencing shamatha/jhanic qualities? The main indication this is A&P is that I am experiencing piti/vibrations during the day and they seem to come in cycles and that during meditation, speedy noting is responsible for all over body vibrations
- Finally, if this is indeed A&P, it seems as though i keep cycling up to it, approaching it, but not crossing it! What do I need to do to cross the A&P? Is it just a matter of speeding up noting and is it common to approach A&P, drop down and how many times will this happen.
Many thanks
- During one sitting I suddenly found myself able to comfortably sit for 60 minutes which I never thought would happen (was previously sitting for only 30 minutes). Ever since this I've been sitting for 60 mins and a strong motivation has arisen...
- I follow the breath at the abdomen as closely and presently as possible without labeling 'rising/falling' but just noticing the sensation of movement. Between breaths, I focus on the sensation of 'sitting'. If I put in a boost of effort and notice 'sitting' in as many moments as possible, my body starts to vibrate/shake and there is upwards pressure focused in the head. However, as soon as I stop noting, the vibrations ease and I'm back to before. This hasnt yet happened while noting the breath, only when noting sitting - I haven't yet experiences the breathing sensations as vibrations.
- Some piti/kundalini (interchangeble?) sensations arising and have experienced pressure in the chakra regions (solar plexus, heart, throat, third eye moving upwards in this order). This has been quite distracting and it is dificult to note the breath as a primary object, should I ignore the piti and continue focusing on the abdomen or use piti as primary object (I'm weary of inducing jhana vs A&P)
- A&P vs jhana/shamatha: I'm trying to detemine whether this is truly A&P territory, or whether my concentration has increased and actually I have been experiencing shamatha/jhanic qualities? The main indication this is A&P is that I am experiencing piti/vibrations during the day and they seem to come in cycles and that during meditation, speedy noting is responsible for all over body vibrations
- Finally, if this is indeed A&P, it seems as though i keep cycling up to it, approaching it, but not crossing it! What do I need to do to cross the A&P? Is it just a matter of speeding up noting and is it common to approach A&P, drop down and how many times will this happen.
Many thanks
Ahh thanks for the list Mettafore
Starting to realise the 'when in doubt - note' phrase is perhaps the most important thing in all of this
Starting to realise the 'when in doubt - note' phrase is perhaps the most important thing in all of this
. It is one of the 5 hindrances after all.