Podcasts about jhanas

In this episode I am once again joined by Leigh Brasington, Buddhist meditation teacher and author of “Right Concentration, A Practical Guide to the Jhanas”. This episode begins with a brief comment from Leigh about his appearance in “Ep329: Enlightened Politics” in which he explored the relationship between Buddhism and political ideology. After that we discuss Leigh's new book “On the Way to the Far Shore”, his commentary on the Pārāyanavagga, chapter five of Suttanipāta, one of the earliest sutta collections in the Pali canon. The text takes the form of a question and answer session with the Buddha himself and evidences nascent forms of the doctrines of the four noble truths and the path of gradual training. Leigh considers the pros and cons of formal study of the Pali language, explains the ways in which English translations can be misleading, and muses on why so few Buddhist converts read their own scriptures. Leigh also reveals how his Dzogchen practice helped him understand early Buddhist doctrine, gives advice about how to internalise intellectual ideas through meditation practice, and shares how a profound experience of the nature of mind changed his life forever. … Video version: www.guruviking.com Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast'. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 01:17 - Can there be an enlightened tyrant? 02:49 - Anyone can perform enlightened activity 04:20 - Why Leigh wrote On the Way to the Far Shore 08:13 - Wrestling with the Pali sutta 09:07 - Leigh's training the the Pali language 11:18 - Struggles to learn foreign languages 12:37 - Is training as a scholar worth it? 14:36 - 4 categories of Pali suttas 17:05 - Why Leigh won't pursue a PhD 19:17 - Why don't Buddhists read the Pali canon? 23:14 - Diving into the the Pārāyanavagga, book five of the Suttanipāta 27:50 - Vedanā and āsava - don't believe the English translations 29:44 - Literal vs meaning translations + implications of grammar 33:40 - Q&A with the Buddha 36:20 - Questions the Buddha refuses to answer 37:46 - Experiencing the world raw 42:27 - The most important insight 44:22 - How to really gain insight 45:24 - Leigh's Dzogchen practice 46:14 - Leigh's mind blowing experience of the nature of mind 51:28 - After effects of Leigh's epiphany 53:56 - Integrating vs losing an insight 55:04 - How to keep an insight fresh 56:31 - How to regard the world so you are not seen by the King of Death 59:17 - How to become “ever mindful” 01:01:30 - This is a different kind of book 01:02:41 - The roots of the Four Noble Truths and the gradual training 01:05:13 - Will Leigh start a Pali sutta discussion group? 01:07:14 - Man in the Light of History of Religion 01:10:02 - Scripture as literature or an instruction manual? 01:12:32 - Leigh's advice for approaching difficult books 01:13:46 - What do the suttas say about the brahmavihārās? … Previous episodes with Leigh Brasington: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=brasington To find our more about Leigh Brasington visit: - http://www.leighb.com/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi' by Steve James

What kind of man gets studied at Yale, Brown, and Harvard, builds a 300 person international research consortium, and still has powerful people working to erase his name? Dr. Daniel Ingram is not a guru. He is a retired level one trauma emergency physician. A published neuroscience researcher. The author of a book that has shaped contemplative practice for tens of thousands of readers. The acting organizer of a global research effort spanning Harvard, Yale, Brown, Cambridge, and Oxford. By every credential medicine respects, he is one of their own.So why did a senior figure allegedly commission an academic article engineered to surface at the top of every search of his name, with one stated goal? That nobody would ever believe him again. Because Dr. Ingram crossed a line his profession does not permit. He claimed that awakening is real. That it is measurable. That it is observable in the brain.  We go into what he has seen at the edges of human perception. What he documented in the lab. What he believes medicine is doing to patients every single day by refusing to look.The Emergent Phenomenology Research Consortium

My long-awaited full PDF paper is out. “Neither/Nor: a pragmatic philosophy for oscillating between conceptual and experiential knowledge,” co-authored with Isabela Granic, is available here. (PDF)Jonah Wilberg, who writes The Wider Angle here on Substack, interviewed me on the principles of the paper. We recorded in my living room.The core argument: rationality and perception are not two incompatible philosophical positions, but two trainable skills. Then the question shifts from Which is right? to Which one should I choose now?In the podcast, Jonah and I work through what we call “Neither/Nor”: an approach that treats conceptual, abstract reason and embodied, experiential perception not as competing metaphysical positions — neither "rationalism" nor "empiricism" — but as capacities you can deliberately develop and oscillate between.Western philosophy tends to privilege the conceptual. We call this "latent Platonism": the often-unconscious tendency to reify abstractions — to treat “capitalism” or “the self” as objects with real existence rather than as useful but provisional constructs. Other traditions, notably Buddhism, push in the opposite direction, treating direct experience as the more reliable guide and concepts as a distraction. Our argument is that neither is sufficient alone. What matters is the oscillation.Drawing on managing type 1 diabetes, meditation, cooking, sport, CBT versus psychoanalysis, and Kuhn's paradigm shifts applied to personal identity crises, I try to describe when it's most useful to construct a conceptually stable model — and when it's most useful to dissolve one in favour of direct experience or incoming evidence. Neither position is final. The paper also develops related principles around relations and processes over static objects (drawing on Whitehead, Bateson, and complexity science), trial-and-error learning, and what we call conditional historicism over linear causality.00:00 Why This Paper Matters02:25 Two Ways of Knowing05:36 Neither Nor Explained06:13 Diabetes and Attention07:43 Principle One Setup09:24 Latent Platonism Today15:39 Concepts as Skills21:18 Training Experience23:59 Why Not Both And26:24 Meditation and Perception32:14 Jhanas and Suffering34:30 Flourishing in Practice36:25 Everyday Neither Nor Tools37:59 Both And Training Analogy40:42 Oscillation Principle Explained42:22 Paradigm Shifts and Identity46:31 Therapy and Emotional Reconsolidation49:58 Metamodernism and Two Modes55:54 Process Thinking and Whitehead01:06:16 Trial Error and Historicism01:11:07 Order Chaos and Bureaucracy01:15:12 Wrap Up and Where to Find More

"Travelogue through Jhanas” was a teaching given by Ajahn Brahm during a 9-day meditation retreat in 1997, Perth, Western Australia.  An edited paper based on this talk called "The Travelogue To The Four Jhanas" is available here: https://bswa.org/teaching/travelogue-four-jhanas/ Support us on https://ko-fi.com/thebuddhistsocietyofwa BSWA teachings are available: BSWA Teachings BSWA Podcast Channel BSWA DeeperDhamma Podbean Channel BSWA YouTube

"Travelogue through Jhanas” was a teaching given by Ajahn Brahm during a 9-day meditation retreat in 1997, Perth, Western Australia.  An edited paper based on this talk called "The Travelogue To The Four Jhanas" is available here: https://bswa.org/teaching/travelogue-four-jhanas/ Support us on https://ko-fi.com/thebuddhistsocietyofwa BSWA teachings are available: BSWA Teachings BSWA Podcast Channel BSWA DeeperDhamma Podbean Channel BSWA YouTube

April 12, 2026 MN 39 - explaining the higher jhānas with Stories Where: Dhamma Sukha Meditation Center https://www.dhammasukha.org

Day 3 MN 39 Pt2 "The Door" Explaining Jhanas 1-4

(Barre Center for Buddhist Studies)

(Barre Center for Buddhist Studies)

March 29, 2026 MN7 Vatthupama Sutta -The Simile of the Cloth The many different kinds of impurities that defile the mind are compared to a dirty cloth. When the mind is clean we find joy, which leads to states of higher consciousness. Finally, the Buddha rejects the Brahmanical notion that purity comes from bathing in sacred rivers.

In this “Best Of” episode, we revisit a powerful conversation where Michael breaks down the fundamentals of Jhana practice (the 4 stages of deep concentration). He explores the inner “maps” that guide absorption and offers insight into how practitioners can move into increasingly profound states. As stillness deepens, the familiar reference points we use to understand our lives begin to fall away, opening the door to a very different kind of awareness. Recorded on May 18, 2014 at the Kayagatasati Sutta during a workshop in Madison, Wisconsin. The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making it possible for us to keep Michael's archive of teachings available to the public. To become a patron, visit: patreon.com/michaelstone.

(Gaia House) Talk, guided meditation.

(Gaia House) Guided meditation & talk

Zen teacher and author Henry Shukman offers a clear and grounded introduction to the heart of Zen practice. We explore how awakening is not an escape from life, but a deeper participation in it — a realization that dissolves the illusion of separation and reveals a boundless field of awareness and love.Henry shares his own spontaneous awakening experience at 19, the profound insight that life is not divided between self and world, and the difficult healing journey that followed. From mindfulness and meditation to flow states, jhanas, koans, and the role of trauma in spiritual growth, this conversation maps out a path that integrates awakening with emotional healing.Download SAILY in your app store and use our code KNOWTHYSELF at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase! For further details go to https://saily.com/knowthyself Go to https://thewayapp.com/knowthyself to begin your journey with 30 free meditation sessionsAndré's Book Recs: https://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com/book-list___________00:00 Intro01:26 An Introduction to Zen13:10 The Premise of Original Love17:14 Training the Mind Like the Body20:54 Freedom From Identification With Thought27:50 What Are the Jhanas?32:50 Ad: Saily33:54 Tasting Awakening for Yourself45:17 Awakening vs Psychological Healing50:17 Awakening as an Ongoing Path54:54 The Distinct Path of Zen59:13 Koans as a Path to Insight1:13:53 The Enlightenment of the Mundane1:20:07 The Freedom of Emptiness1:26:16 The Necessity of Meditation Practice1:34:32 Sweeping the Yard (A Zen Poem)1:43:33 Beauty, Ethics, and Interconnection1:47:33 The Journey to a Whole Heart (A Poem on Heartbreak)2:02:58 Original Love in a Fragmented World___________Episode Resources: https://www.instagram.com/henryshukman/https://www.instagram.com/theway_app/https://www.instagram.com/andreduqum/https://www.instagram.com/knowthyself/https://www.youtube.com/@knowthyselfpodcasthttps://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com

YouTube Channel Link Website:www.satipatthana.caDonations and Memberships

We recorded someone guide himself into a Jhana live on our podcast. And he narrated the whole process from start to finish.Jhanas are meditative bliss states and they traditionally require thousands of hours of practice. But Stephen Zerfas and his team at Jhourney are changing that—creating retreats where most participants hit a Jhana in their first week.Dan Shipper went to one of their retreats earlier this year, and it was by far the best he's been to. So we had Stephen on AI & I to show us how he gets into a Jhana and what the future of super wellbeing might look like.If you found this episode interesting, please like, subscribe, comment, and share!Want even more?Sign up for Every to unlock our ultimate guide to prompting ChatGPT here: https://every.ck.page/ultimate-guide-to-prompting-chatgpt. It's usually only for paying subscribers, but you can get it here for free.To hear more from Dan Shipper:Subscribe to Every: https://every.to/subscribeFollow him on X: https://twitter.com/danshipperTimestamps:Introduction: 00:00:56A primer on Jhana meditation: 00:01:18Zerfas guides himself into a Jhana: 00:05:47Why Jhana is about resting into what already exists: 00:36:04Approaching meditation with play and curiosity: 00:39:30The potential pitfalls of Jhana meditation: 00:45:04How to hack your personality through memory reconsolidation: 00:48:21Why Jhana won't let you numb yourself to real problems: 00:53:10How Jhana meditation has changed Zerfas: 00:55:36How Jhourney is using AI to make Jhanas more accessible: 01:09:41Links to resources mentioned in the episode:Stephen Zerfas: Stephen ZerfasJhourney: https://www.jhourney.io/The Donella Meadows book Zerfas refers to: Thinking in Systems: A Primer

In this episode I am once again joined by Leigh Brasington, Buddhist meditation teacher and author of ‘Right Concentration, A Practical Guide to the Jhanas'. In this episode we had planned to discuss Leigh's latest book, entitled “On The Way To The Far Shore”. Instead Leigh spontaneously began to explore the theme of Buddhism and politics and so we decided to go deeper into his ideas. Leigh shares his take on the world situation and reveals the impact of his childhood upbringing and college education on the development of his own political views. Leigh discusses whether or not Buddhist spiritual development necessarily leads to left wing politics, reflects on the role of compassion and interdependence in the left-right divide, and considers whether or not past Buddhist masters who held different political views to his own lacked enlightenment. Leigh also warns about the dangers of clinging to fixed views, gives advice for how meditators should relate to politics, and explains why he believes political engagement is a natural result of the spiritual path. This episode is a spontaneous exploration of Leigh's ideas about Buddhism and politics in the spirit of open discourse and is not intended to represent my own views or the stance of this podcast. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep326-enlightened-politics-leigh-brasington Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast'. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 01:18 - Complexity and inequality 02:52 - Global warming 03:28 - Visiting mission fields in Mexico 05:13 - Overpopulation 06:02 - What motivates Leigh's political engagement? 08:24 - Practice and politics 11:03 - Should Buddhists be politically engaged? 16:49 - Dependent origination leads to politics 22:21 - Diverse politics of past Buddhist masters 24:31 - Evolution of Leigh's political views 28:40 - How Leigh relates to those who hold different political views 32:19 - Why did past Buddhist masters hold different views to Leigh's? 35:21 - Spiritual insight leads to left wing positions 40:54 - How does Leigh explain past Buddhist masters who have held conservative views? 47:58 - Does it give Leigh pause to claim his political views are the most enlightened? 54:11 - Leigh comments on the awakening of past masters who held different political views to his own 56:34 - Leigh refines his position 57:44 - What if Leigh is wrong? 59:16 - Advice for how to relate to politics as a spiritual practitioner 01:02:27 - New sutta index 01:06:09 - Why discuss controversial topics? 01:08:43 - Concluding remarks … Previous episodes with Leigh Brasington: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=brasington To find our more about Leigh Brasington visit: - http://www.leighb.com/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi' by Steve James

Day 3 The Jhanas AN9.36.5 MN119  with Bhante Kusala www.dhammasukha.org

Day 4 8-24-25 MN 111 Higher Jhanas 5-8 with Bhante Kusala www.dhammasuhka.org

The 8 Jhanas, Two Types of Jhana

(Gaia House)

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) In the talk, Donald reflects on having just completed, four days before the talk, four weeks of practice at Spirit Rock. He particularly focuses on three themes from the retreat, exploring each theme in terms of both its retreat context and its daily life context. The first is the theme of listening deeply to one's own "intuition" and what "calls." The second is the theme of developing samadhi (usually translated as "concentration"--the unified mind and heart and body) and in particular practicing the eight jhanas as taught by the Buddha. The third is the theme of bringing the retreat learning and explorations into daily life, and how in particular to cultivate the first two themes in the daily life context. The talk is followed by discussion.

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) In the talk, Donald reflects on having just completed, four days before the talk, four weeks of practice at Spirit Rock. He particularly focuses on three themes from the retreat, exploring each theme in terms of both its retreat context and its daily life context. The first is the theme of listening deeply to one's own "intuition" and what "calls." The second is the theme of developing samadhi (usually translated as "concentration"--the unified mind and heart and body) and in particular practicing the eight jhanas as taught by the Buddha. The third is the theme of bringing the retreat learning and explorations into daily life, and how in particular to cultivate the first two themes in the daily life context. The talk is followed by discussion.

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) In the talk, Donald reflects on having just completed, four days before the talk, four weeks of practice at Spirit Rock. He particularly focuses on three themes from the retreat, exploring each theme in terms of both its retreat context and its daily life context. The first is the theme of listening deeply to one's own "intuition" and what "calls." The second is the theme of developing samadhi (usually translated as "concentration"--the unified mind and heart and body) and in particular practicing the eight jhanas as taught by the Buddha. The third is the theme of bringing the retreat learning and explorations into daily life, and how in particular to cultivate the first two themes in the daily life context. The talk is followed by discussion.

Andrés Gómez Emilsson, director of the Qualia Research Institute and a pioneering researcher in the mathematical study of consciousness, explores the nature of awareness from both philosophical and scientific angles. He recounts his journey that led to founding the Qualia Research Institute—aimed at reducing suffering and enhancing experience. He discusses the transformative potential of psychedelics, the view of the self as a series of experiences, and how sensory resonance ("impedance matching") shapes our awareness. As a listener of TOE you can get a special 20% off discount to The Economist and all it has to offer! Visit https://www.economist.com/toe Join My New Substack (Personal Writings): https://curtjaimungal.substack.com Listen on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/SpotifyTOE Become a YouTube Member (Early Access Videos): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdWIQh9DGG6uhJk8eyIFl1w/join Timestamps: 00:00 The Most Important Problem 01:49 The Hard Problem and Ontologies 05:15 Journey into Consciousness 09:06 The Qualia Research Institute 10:49 Shattering Realities 17:12 Happiness vs. Meaning 19:15 Defining Happiness 25:28 Psychological Egoism 33:45 Understanding Consciousness 38:01 The Qualia Research Institute's Goals 49:21 Exploring Impedance Matching 58:25 The Dance of Dissonance 1:03:22 The Nature of Suffering 1:10:32 The Concept of Oneness 1:17:02 Zero Ontology Explained 1:27:20 The Nature of Reality 1:28:57 The Self and Sense of Self 1:30:53 Stages of Consciousness 1:37:35 Transformations in Consciousness 1:46:20 The Role of Psychedelics 2:02:01 Exploring 5-MeO-DMT 2:21:03 Psychedelics and Buddhist Philosophy 2:45:32 Insights on Jhana States 2:51:31 Conclusion and Reflections Links Mentioned: - Qualia Research Institute (website): https://qri.org/ - Andres's Qualia profile: https://qri.org/people/andr%C3%A9s-g%C3%B3mez-emilsson - David Chalmers's 2024 presentation at Mindfest: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5r9V1ryksnw - Bernardo Kastrup on TOE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAB21FAXCDE - The Hedonistic Imperative (book): https://amzn.to/3Di7Xx5 - Why Does Anything Exist? (book): https://www.amazon.com/Why-Does-Anything-Exist-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B0DKBHMC3C - Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha (book): https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Core-Teachings-Buddha-Unusually/dp/1911597108 - Andres on The DemystifySci Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjWDURKNe2Q - ‘Replications' group on Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/replications/ - Stuart Hameroff's Mindfest presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_bQwdJir1o - The Doors of Perception (book): https://amzn.to/4ijduTb - From Neural Activity to Field Topology (article): https://qualiacomputing.com/2025/02/09/from-neural-activity-to-field-topology-how-coupling-kernels-shape-consciousness/ - Seeing That Frees (book): https://amzn.to/43fm15m - Practicing the Jhanas (meditation series): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLO6hhaAzLmiqUzBYuLLJQ8FexOTRxz8xF - The Dalai Lama, Psychedelics & Cher (article): https://tricycle.org/article/dalai-lama-psychedelics-cher/ - Advice to Sigālaka (article): https://suttacentral.net/dn31/en/sujato?lang=en&layout=plain&reference=none¬es=asterisk&highlight=false&script=latin Support TOE on Patreon: https://patreon.com/curtjaimungal Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOEwithCurt Discord Invite: https://discord.com/invite/kBcnfNVwqs #science #consciousness #mind Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Question - "How does Jhana meditation simplify experience to facilitate insight and cognitive flexibility?" John Vervaeke is joined by Mark Miller, Rick Repetti, to explore the intersection of predictive processing, relevance realization, and embodied cognition in contemplative practices. They introduce PhD candidate Jonas Mago, who discusses his research on Jhana meditation and its impact on cognitive flexibility and insight. The conversation touches on contrasting Jhana practices with charismatic Christian traditions such as speaking in tongues. They also explore how Jhana states temporarily reduce the complexity of perception, allowing practitioners to observe the construction and deconstruction of their experiential models. The neuroscientific evidence provided, such as changes in brain responses during these states, adds depth to this exploration, illustrating how such simplification can lead to profound insights. Mark Miller, a philosopher and cognitive scientist, holds a senior research fellowship at Monash University's Center for Consciousness and Contemplative Studies in Australia, with affiliations at the University of Toronto and Hokkaido University in Japan. His work, which dives into the interplay between human thought, technology's impact on well-being, and human-computer interaction, is at the forefront of integrating cognitive neuroscience with philosophical inquiry. Rick Repetti is Professor of Philosophy at Kingsborough Community College, CUNY, USA. He is the author of The Counterfactual Theory of Free Will (2010), as well as several articles on Buddhism, meditation, free will, and philosophy of religion. Jonas Mago is a cognitive neuroscientist and wellbeing aficionado, deeply invested in understanding the cognitive and neurobiological mechanisms underlying human flourishing. His research explores contemplative practices designed to cultivate wholesome states of mind—spanning meditation, prayer, collective cultural rituals, and psychedelic therapies. I approach these topics from an interdisciplinary perspective, integrating cognitive science, neurobiology, computational modeling, and phenomenology to investigate mechanisms of self-regulation and transformation. He is currently pursuing my doctoral studies in Neuroscience at McGill University under the supervision of Dr. Michael Lifshitz, with co-supervision from Prof. Dr. Karl Friston. His academic journey includes a master's degree in Mind, Language, and Embodied Cognition from the University of Edinburgh (UK) and undergraduate studies in Liberal Arts and Sciences at University College Maastricht (Netherlands). Connect with a community dedicated to self-discovery and purpose, and gain deeper insights by joining our Patreon.   Notes:  (0:00) Introduction to the Lectern. This is the beginning of The Predictive Processing Series (0:30) Mark Miller, Rick Repetti, and Jonas Mago joins John Vervaeke  (1:30) Predictive Processing and Meditation (4:00) Inside Jhanas Meditation (10:00) Phenomenology and Cognitive Functions of Jhanas (11:30) “Is Jhanas essential for the path of awakening?” (13:00) Predictive Coding and Cognitive Models (18:00) Jhana meditation and the transient nature of predictive models (25:00) Analysis of the risks and benefits associated with Jhana practice (30:00) EEG Studies on Jhana Practitioners (37:00) Jhana versus Pure Consciousness (45:00) High Arousal Contemplative States: Jhana and Christian prayer (54:00) The Importance of Context in Contemplative Practices (1:05:00) Final Words   ---  The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission.   Join Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships.   John Vervaeke: Website | Twitter | YouTube | Patreon     Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned in this Episode: Predictive Processing Epistemic Vulnerability Metacognition Absorption States fMRI Studies Sangha EEG Studies Relevance Realization Embodied Cognition Jhana Meditation Thomas Metzinger Michael Lifshitz Alton Ram Dass Buddha Tanya Luhrmann Shaila Catherine Metzinger, T. (2021). The Elephant and the Blind: Insights into pure consciousness experiences. Lerman, T. (2012). When God Talks Back: A study on evangelical experiences of speaking in tongues.   Quotes:   “What we're trying in, in meditation is starting to model our predictive hierarchy of the brain opaque. So to notice that experience ultimately is not something that's, that's kind of a real grasp on reality, that all we have is this imprint of reality on our experiential or generative modeling, through this, this predictive hierarchy.”   "The interplay between micro and macro perspectives mirrors the flexibility we aim for in meditation and science."   "Epistemic vulnerability can be a doorway to growth if properly framed—or a risk without it." Mark Miller: Website | X | Podcast | YouTube Rick Repetti: Website | X | Facebook Jonas Mago: Website | X |  —   Thank you for Listening!

[Partial AI assisted show notes:] On Oct 22, 2024 I spoke (again this time online) with David Johnson, a meditation practitioner with over 13 years at Dhammasukha. David reflects on his interactions with renowned meditation teachers such as Mahasi Sayadaw and Deepa Ma, as well as his evolving meditation journey. After practicing what’s considered byContinue reading "Aware Vs Concentration Jhanas, Buddhist Reconciliation And The Six R’s (To Dissolve Distractions) With David Johnson"

Stephen Zerfas is the CEO and cofounder of Jhourney — a startup that targets specific meditative states known as jhanas using novel teaching methods and technology. Their first product is a week-long meditation retreat that's won hyperbolic testimonials from tech executives and engineers (e.g. OpenAI, DeepMind). Most participants learn to enter states previously thought to require thousands of hours of practice in under 40 hours.Resources:* jhourney.io This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themetagame.substack.com

Andrés is the Co-founder and President of the Qualia Research Institute (QRI). He has a Master's Degree in Psychology with an emphasis in computational models from Stanford and a professional background in graph theory, statistics, and affective science. His work at QRI ranges from algorithm design, to psychedelic theory, to neurotechnology development, to mapping and studying the computational properties of consciousness. Andrés blogs at qualiacomputing.com.Resources:* qri.org* Andrés on Twitter* 4D Rotation Visualizer* Chanca Piedra for kidney stones* Arthur Juliani's research* Mike Johnson's Vasocomputation Paper This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themetagame.substack.com

Michael Edward Johnson is a philosopher, neuroscientist and entrepreneur. He's the author of Principia Qualia and the co-founder of the Qualia Research Institute. He's done pioneering work at the intersection of mathematics and consciousness studies, seeking to systematically map and measure subjective experiences. He writes at opentheory.net.Resources:* Principles of Vasocomputation: A Unification of Buddhist Phenomenology, Active Inference, and Physical Reflex* Thread on Wittgenstein, Normies and Wordcels* Quick model of jhana This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themetagame.substack.com

For episode 245, we are continuing the Fireside Chat Series on the Metta Hour with guest Guy Armstrong.This series features intimate conversations with longtime dharma teachers about the early days of their practice and the most impactful moments with their own teachers. Hosted by IMS Online, the fourth episode in this series. Guy Armstrong has been leading insight meditation retreats since 1984 in the U.S., Europe, and Australia. His training included living as a monk for a year in the Thai forest lineage. Guy is a member of the Spirit Rock Teachers Council and a guiding teacher of the Insight Meditation Society and is the author of Emptiness: A Practical Guide for Meditators from Wisdom Books.In this conversation, Sharon and Guy discuss:Guy's first encounter with meditation How Sharon reached her first retreat The mystery of being drawn to practice The three characteristics of existenceGuy's introduction to Emptiness Mahasi Sayadaw noting techniqueMental Noting Technique Insights of anattā (Emptiness)The path Guy has taken since 1976The importance of relaxationWhat advice Guy would give his younger selfGoenka's directive to sit two-hours a dayThai Buddhist monk Ajahn BuddhadasaThe year that Guy was a monk in ThailandBurmese Theravāda monk, Pa Auk SayadawThe episode closes with some questions from the audience on Emptiness, Dzogchen practice, Tsoknyi Rinpoche Handshake practice, the spectrum of Emptiness, “where is mind,” and the Jhanas. You can learn more about Guy's work right here and get a copy of his book, Emptiness: A Practical Guide for Meditators, right here. Learn more about IMS Online right here. Listen to Guy's first episode on the Metta Hour, Episode 90, right here from 2019.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rains Retreat teachings from 31st July to 24th October 1994. Teachings given by the abbot Ajahn Brahm at Bodhinyana Monastery in Serpentine (southeast of Perth, Western Australia). The main audience was the Sangha. Track 2/12: Anapanasati Leading to Jhanas – 14th August 1994. See the full set here. Please support the BSWA in making teachings available for free online via Patreon. To find and download more precious Dhamma teachings, visit the BSWA teachings page: https://bswa.org/teachings/, choose the teaching you want and click on the audio to open it up on Podbean.

The entire book as read with an AI professional Eleven-Audio text to speech in David's voice. A very accurate reading with the latest revision Oct 2023 of David's book. Includes forgiveness instructions. A thorough guide to the unique method of Tranquil Wisdom Insight Meditation (TWIM), based on the earliest Buddhist texts. Authored by David Johnson of the Dhamma Sukha Meditation Center, it contains the secret to fast and deep progress in meditation. The method described here matches the earliest Buddhist scriptures. How to attain awakening through the Loving-kindness meditation. How to attain the Jhanas easily and quickly. Sutta references. Complete meditation instructions to the highest levels. You can use this as your own guide to meditation at home. (Free Online Retreats from Dhamma Sukha https://www.dhammasukha.org/online-retreats )

In this episode I am once again joined by Leigh Brasington, Buddhist meditation teacher and author of ‘Right Concentration, A Practical Guide to the Jhanas'. Leigh discusses his latest book, ‘Gradual Training: The Buddha's Step-by-Step Guide for Awakening', in which Leigh lays a 13 step training which culminates in enlightenment. Leigh explains the scriptural origins of this formulation, why it is so crucial for meditation success, and speculates as to why it is so rarely taught by Buddhist teachers in America. Leigh also emphasises the importance of moral precepts, wrestles with contradictions in the Buddhist scriptures, considers how the scriptures have been altered over the centuries, and reveals his opinion of Buddhist claims to psychic powers. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep253-the-buddhist-path-leigh-brasington Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast'. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 00:53 - Leigh's latest book 02:09 - A life changing meditation encounter 03:00 - The gradual training 05:05 - Training in insight practice under Ayya Khema 05:49 - Leigh's insight journey 07:31 - Why isn't gradual training taught in Western Buddhism? 07:55 - Buddhist teacher schtick 09:00 - People don't teach the suttas 09:47 - 13 steps to awakening 12:23 - Origin and evolution of the 13-step Gradual Training 13:23 - The Buddhist scriptures have been tampered with 15:23 - Evolution of the doctrine of 12 links of dependent origination 16:34 - Philological implications 17:51 - Did the Buddha have supernatural powers? 21:59 - Contradictions in Buddhist scripture 24:11 - Early vs late suttas 26:20 - When were the suttas composed? 29:39 - When was the gradual training devised? 31:11 - Gradual training vs Lamrim 32:35 - Fruits of the spiritual life 36:38 - Keeping the precepts 40:08 - Guarding the senses 42:41 - Mindfulness and clear comprehension 44:47 - Contentment with little 47:04 - Overcoming hinderances 49:12 - Are psychic powers real? 50:14 - Meditation or morality? 54:13 - Consequences of skipping ethics 58:05 - Do the precepts spoil the fun of life? 01:01:19 - What makes practice life changing? 01:02:36 - Enjoyment without attachment 01:04:17 - The power of motivation to change habits 01:06:19 - How Leigh gave up pot and sweets 01:08:19 - How to do insight practice 01:09:08 - Future writing projects 01:13:30 - Why Leigh publishes his books for free … Previous episodes with Leigh Brasington: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=brasington To find our more about Leigh Brasington visit: - http://www.leighb.com/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi' by Steve James

Rains Retreat teachings from 31st July to 24th October 1994. Teachings given by the abbot Ajahn Brahm at Bodhinyana Monastery in Serpentine (southeast of Perth, Western Australia). The main audience was the Sangha. Track 2/12: Anapanasati Leading to Jhanas – 8th August 1994. See the full set here. Please support the BSWA in making teachings available for free online via Patreon. To find and download more precious Dhamma teachings, visit the BSWA teachings page: https://bswa.org/teachings/, choose the teaching you want and click on the audio to open it up on Podbean.

Host Michael Taft speaks with entrepreneur and meditator Stephen Zerfas on using technology to potentially enhance the learning of the jhanas, Zerfas' background in meditation and jhana practice, and the vision of scaling adoption of the jhanas on a global scale. Stephen Zerfas a cofounder of Jhourney, a startup that is currently creatings meditation retreats using novel methods to teach novices to reach jhana. Stephen stumbled into the first three jhanas on his own, and has dedicated his career to scaling them after learning of their rich history. He's trained with several jhana teachers, including Leigh Brasington and Delson Armstrong.jhourney.ioYou can support the creation of future episodes of this podcast by contributing through Patreon.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

5th zoom talk by Delson about Jhanas in Right Collectedness The sutta MN 117 -The Great 40 -8 Fold Path Zoom series Sponsored by https://freedomofmind.foundation/ Dhamma Sukha Meditation Center https://www.dhammasukha.org/ A complete guide to the meditation the way the Buddha taught: https://www.thepathtonibbana.com/

(Barre Center for Buddhist Studies)

Get your DEMYSTICON 2024 tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/demysticon-2024-tickets-727054969987 Today we're going deep into the complex world of consciousness and perception with Andres Gomez Emilsson, from the Qualia Research Institute. Join us as we engage in tasty conversation surrounding the neural mechanics of hallucination, exploring the intersections of meditation, psychedelic experiences, and altered states of consciousness. We glean insights into the mysteries of the mind and the resonance of neural networks, and new perspectives on the nature of reality and the self. Don't miss out on this illuminating exploration into the depths of human mind. Tell us what you think in the comments or on our Discord: https://discord.gg/MJzKT8CQub Sign up for a yearly Patreon membership for discounted conference tickets: https://bit.ly/3lcAasB (00:00) Go! (00:03:41) The shared experience of DMT entities (00:10:32) Where is a coherent psychedelic experience located in the body? (00:19:51) Where does the geometry of DMT come from? (00:31:48) Realignment mechanisms of mental transformation post psychedelic use (00:44:09 Jhanas, bliss, and perception without thought (00:50:45) Fear of getting eaten (01:01:06) anticipatory, mythological sources of entity encounters (01:11:10) Where does DMT take you? (01:20:08) The refresh rate of perception (01:25:31) The cartesian theater (01:34:49) Antithesis of the Jhanas (01:41:38) Is there an evolutionary purpose to psychedelic capacity? (01:52:27) Finding capacity for difficult emotions (01:58:37) Loss of addiction by finding awareness (02:04:59) The self as a community #ConsciousnessExploration, #NeuralMechanics, #HallucinationResearch, #PsychedelicInsights, #DMTExperience, #MindMapping, #PerceptionShift, #AlteredStates, #PsychedelicScience, #ConsciousExperience, #Neuroscience, #MeditationJourney, #SpiritualAwakening, #Mindfulness, #PsychedelicTherapy, #BrainResearch, #RealityPerception, #Transcendence, #InnerJourney, #MindExpansion, #sciencepodcast Check our short-films channel, @DemystifySci: https://www.youtube.com/c/DemystifyingScience AND our material science investigations of atomics, @MaterialAtomics https://www.youtube.com/@MaterialAtomics Join our mailing list https://bit.ly/3v3kz2S PODCAST INFO: Anastasia completed her PhD studying bioelectricity at Columbia University. When not talking to brilliant people or making movies, she spends her time painting, reading, and guiding backcountry excursions. Shilo also did his PhD at Columbia studying the elastic properties of molecular water. When he's not in the film studio, he's exploring sound in music. They are both freelance professors at various universities. - Blog: http://DemystifySci.com/blog - RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/2be66934/podcast/rss - Donate: https://bit.ly/3wkPqaD - Swag: https://bit.ly/2PXdC2y SOCIAL: - Discord: https://discord.gg/MJzKT8CQub - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DemystifySci - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DemystifySci/ - Twitter: https://twitter.com/DemystifySci MUSIC: -Shilo Delay: https://g.co/kgs/oty671

Jhanas continued. Day 4.

Jhana and Enlightenment Factors.

Rains Retreat teachings for 1999. Teachings given by the abbot Ajahn Brahm at Bodhinyana Monastery in Serpentine (southeast of Perth, Western Australia). The main audience was the Sangha.   Track 8/11: The Jhanas Inwards Not Onwards See the full set  here. Please support the BSWA in making teachings available for free online via Patreon. To find and download more precious Dhamma teachings, visit the BSWA teachings page: https://bswa.org/teachings/, choose the teaching you want and click on the audio to open it up on Podbean.

Mumbai Aug 2023 Jhanas & Q_A Mumbai Acharya_Delson_Armstrong

Bonhays Sept 2023 Day 4 - Jhanas Part 2 -Delson Armstrong

Bonhays Day 3 Sept 2023 Jhanas Part 1

In this episode I am once again joined by Leigh Brasington, Buddhist meditation teacher and author of ‘Right Concentration, A Practical Guide to the Jhanas'. Leigh reveals his upcoming solo retreat plans and personal meditation goals and considers why it is that he continues to meditate after so many decades of practice. Leigh recalls his career as a computer programmer and draws analogies from the computer world to the workings of human beings on the Dharma path. Leigh expresses his views on AI, in particular whether or not AI will replace meditation teachers, and goes on to explore what makes a great meditation teacher and what makes a bad one, as well as the importance of heart connection when leading retreats, and answers the question ‘how enlightened should someone be before they can teach meditation?. Leigh also shares an exchange he had with an AI in which he asks questions about jhana meditation and evaluates the AI's answers. Leigh goes on to offer his take on Shinzen Young's ultrasound neuromodulation research and questions the possibility of its efficacy to bring about meaningful spiritual progress. … Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify. … 01:20 - Why does Leigh still go on solo meditation retreats? 06:15 - How has meditation changed Leigh's life? 06:42 - Leigh's meditation goals 08:30 - Why do intermediate and advanced practitioners stop practicing? 11:42 - The early days of computer programming 14:40 - Working as a computer programmer 18:09 - Writing a Tibetan-Tibetan dictionary for Tsoknyi Rinpoche 21:33 - Building his own DOS box 23:41 - Overlaps between computer programming and meditation 26:47 - Pros of cons of computer metaphors for describing humans and the Dharma 28:53 - KISS and other computer metaphors for meditation 32:02 - Buddhist fundamentalism and the doctrine of rebirth 34:41 - Did the Buddha really believe in rebirth? 38:21 - The lies of the Buddha 42:32 - Is Buddhist fundamentalism compatible with enlightenment? 45:46 - Does belief in rebirth prevent enlightenment? 49:02 - The immortality project 49:26 - Did Buddhism degrade or evolve? 53:34 - Mahayana writers who Leigh enjoys 54:07 - Why Leigh loves Shantideva's chapter on dedication 55:55 - Computers and Buddhism 58:33 - Will AI replace human programmers? 01:05:15 - Will AI teach meditation better than human teachers? 01:06:54 - What makes a really good meditation teacher 01:10:22 - Leigh asks AI dharma questions: what is the cause of dukkha? 01:13:41 - How do I know if I'm practicing jhana correctly? 01:15:05 - Why are the jhanas important? 01:16:23 - How can I tell whether I'm in 3rd of 4th jhana? 01:17:15 - How does one go from 4th to 5th jhana? 01:17:49 - Trouble entering the 1st jhana 01:19:12 - The human connection in meditation interviews 01:19:54 - How to establish a heart connection with your meditation students 01:23:11 - Is AI better than a mediocre meditation teacher? 01:26:30 - What makes a bad meditation teacher? 01:30:13 - How to spot a teacher with an agenda 01:32:56 - Why Leigh dislikes the Mahasi noting practice 01:34:53 - How enlightened should a meditation be? 01:40:12 - How Leigh tests Westerners who claim full enlightenment 01:42:17 - Buddhist faith claims vs other religions 01:48:28 - Buddhist vs Christian faiths 01:51:09 - Leigh challenges Shinzen's attempts to use ultrasound to induce nirodha 01:52:05 - How stream entry really works 01:54:13 - Using ultrasound to induce jhana states 01:56:23 - Does Leigh see any use in Shinzen's research? 01:57:42 - Could ultrasound jumpstart mediocre and fearful meditators? 02:01:20 - The spiritual path is about letting go … Previous episodes with Leigh Brasington: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=brasington To find our more about Leigh Brasington visit: - http://www.leighb.com/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi' by Steve James

Delson talks about the arupa Jhanas which are the bases of the 4th jhana. The base of infinite space-Karuna The base of infinite consciousness -Mudita The base of nothingness-Upekkha The base of neither perception-nor-non-perception Buddha Pāda Institute is situated in a lush forest in the outskirts of Kalimpong, India. It has a temple, prayer and teaching halls, workshop spaces, accommodation facilities, dining halls, and an upcoming Japanese tea room, library and cafe. http:Delsonarmstrong.info https://buddhapada.in/ https://www.dhammasukha.org/getting-started-with-twim Where: Dhamma Sukha Meditation Center https://www.dhammasukha.org

Delson talks about the Jhanas and what they are. Buddha Pāda Institute is situated in a lush forest in the outskirts of Kalimpong, India. It has a temple, prayer and teaching halls, workshop spaces, accommodation facilities, dining halls, and an upcoming Japanese tea room, library and cafe. http:Delsonarmstrong.info https://buddhapada.in/ https://www.dhammasukha.org/getting-started-with-twim Where: Dhamma Sukha Meditation Center https://www.dhammasukha.org

Delson talks about what makes up the state of Jhana. The next day will continue with the Jhanas themselves. Buddha Pāda Institute is situated in a lush forest in the outskirts of Kalimpong, India. It has a temple, prayer and teaching halls, workshop spaces, accommodation facilities, dining halls, and an upcoming Japanese tea room, library and cafe. http:Delsonarmstrong.info https://buddhapada.in/

Ajahn Brahm teaches of the importance of understanding the Buddhist teachings and practising them. Ajahn shares one of his favourite Dhammapada sayings: “there is no wisdom without the deep meditations of Jhanas, and there is no deep meditation without wisdom. Those who have both are in the presence of Nirvana.” To find and download more Guided Meditations on Podcast, visit the BSWA teachings page: https://bswa.org/teachings/, choose the meditation you want and then type the date into the Podcast search box e.g. 01-09-2018 or try 1 September 2018. Please support the BSWA in making teachings available for free online via Patreon.