Forum: Dharma Overground Discussion Forum

In a Buddhist Geeks interview, Alan Wallace describes 'access concentration' as quite a high accomplishment indeed--something Tibetan monks might shoot for after years of intensive daily practice. In MTCB, access concentration, which Wallace refers to as 'achieving shamatha,' at least appears to be something nearer at hand to a lay meditator. Is my take on access concentration as outlined in MCTB incorrect, though?

Hi jgroove,

Excellent question! There are indeed many different ways to describe the various levels/states of concentration.

I don't know much about B. Alan Wallace's tradition, but I know that there are a variety of ways in which the stages of shamatha and jhana are understood within the Theravada tradition alone. It's safe to safe that there is no Universal consensus on this matter.

To get a feel for the differences within the Theravada tradition, listen to the to Buddhist Geeks episodes with Richard Shankman:

1.) The Power of Samadhi --> http://bit.ly/1PlTbe
2.) Different Types of Jhana: Sutta, Vishudimagga, & Vipassana --> http://bit.ly/Y4Vmt

I think his hypothesis can be applied across other Buddhist traditions as well.

I hope this helps :-D

~Jackson

Joel, check this page first: http://dharmaoverground.wetpaint.com/page/The+Samatha+Jhanas

And then this discussion thread: http://dharmaoverground.wetpaint.com/thread/1395208/Kamalashila%27s+Map

There's a lot of material there on what you're asking in terms of "soft" and "hard" concentration.

Thanks, Jackson and Hokai!
I'll take a look at these threads and will listen to the R. Shankman interviews.
Best regards,
Joel