Do I have to focus on my breath to reach any of the jhanas? I find that if I have white noise (i.e the sound of an airplane) I can concentrate better. Basically I notice that my mind is blank initially. If a though occurs, I can easily shift my concentration to the jet engine noise. It is easier for me to do this as opposed to shifting my concentration to my breath since there is a lot of background noise.

Hi Tom,

You can use auditory sensations as an object to concentrate and calm the mind.  Here's a book that might be useful in exploring sound as a meditation object. Also, try searching the forum for a thread that discusses "nada sound." That thread has some useful information too. 

metta,

Drew

Drew,

I'm not the OP but thanks a bunch for posting that ebook.
I read it - was really good.

I gave the nada sound a shot last night as my meditation object.
It was interesting, and I'm going to stick with it for a few more sessions and see if I can get better at it.

Thanks!

Drew, 

i am also very greatful for this post.  In the last decade or so i thought i might have tinnitis.  it never occured to me to use it as an object of meditation--brilliant!