Buddhism Stack Exchange
Buddhism Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [jhana]

Jhāna generally refers to the 8 stages of tranquility (samatha) meditation taught by Gautama Buddha and mentioned in the Pali Canon.

Jhāna (Pali, Dhyāna in Sanskrit) refers to the 8 stages of meditation that were taught by Gautama Buddha. The word Jhāna stems from jhayati which means 'think' or 'meditate'. These 8 states of altered consciousness, which can arise can during periods of strong concentration, are also simply called 'the Jhānas'.

The Jhānas are mentioned in the Pali Canon, but not all Buddhist traditions regard them as important. In Theravada Buddhism the Jhānas are considered an important means to obtain wisdom and ultimately to reach Nirvana. Some other traditions however consider the Jhānas as dangerous because they are not an insight practice and one can become attached to them.

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Methods for reaching Jhana

I have read some books and web resources that deal with reaching access concentration and from there the first Jhana. They all used mindfulness of breathing and mentioned but never described 'other methods'. Methods I have found mentioned were body…
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How to complete the first Jhana?

I have read once you have reached the bliss stage you should take your focus off the object and on the blissful sensations and hold it. Then in time you will be in Jhana. But i also read in other sources you should just stay with the object and one…
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What is initial thought and discursive thought

I am learning the 8 jhanas. And in the book im reading it states the five factors of possession are opposed of the 5 hindrance. What are initial thought and discursive thought? I can't find a definiton.
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What are the prescribed objects for the development of jhāna?

Can i have a list "If there is one" of the different objects for building up the first jhana?
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What is fruition in Buddhism?

I see it everywhere in my book on jhana. but don't truly understand it's meaning or even find a definition.
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Jhāna in the different branches of Buddhism

From what I have read it seems the different branches seem to treat the subject quite different. While Mahayana texts seem to avoid directly touching the subject and only describe the effects, the Theravāda tradition seems almost obsessed with…
Dawnkeeper
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Can one lose jhana?

Once one has learned how to obtain and maintain jhana can the ability be lost (i.e., forgotten), due to lack of use.
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Describe all the Jhanas in everyday language

Could you describe to me what all the Jhanas mean in everyday language because I couldnt understand it by reading the sutras. I couldn't understand what they meant by reading the sutras describing them like neither perception nor non perception and…
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What is Mastery of reflectionJhana mastery

They say to master jhana you must master five factors. I understand the first four but mastery of reflection is kind of leaving me unsure. I think i get it. Once you come out of the jhana state, you refect on the absorption factors like you do the…
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What is Unwise Consideration?

I am reading a book on the jhanas and it stated, All hindrances arise from unwise consideration. To overcome them one must apply wise consideration. Now i think what unwise and wise consideration is the things you focus on. Unwise Consideration…
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Did I get into a Jhana state?

I was meditating. I was using classical music as my object of meditation. I know some don't approve of that but it's REALLY relaxing, especially while meditating. Anyway, as I was meditating the music became... so much more clear. I really can't…
DeusIIXII
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Jhana for rest and relaxation

Which sutra does it say that someone like Buddha would "rest in jhana" or "go often resting" - some combination of jhana (not sure which stage) and rest. i saw it recently but I can't find it. I don't recall if the translation was from…
blue_ego
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Sathipathanna mindfulness and Jhana how to do them correctly

1) It is said that doing the technique that Mahasi Sayadaw talks about we can attain awakening. If you know anything about this technique how is it to be done and can it take us to Nibbana. 2) Question number 2: could you describe the…
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Is there a reason not to practice jhana?

From a chemical point of view, there has to be an after effect of the amount of joy and happiness one feels, right ? In a spiritual point of view, I know one should be aware of attachement to jhana. I am wondering because I experienced first jhana…
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How to enter the second Jhana?

I know you must abandoned applied & sustain thought. Getting rid of applied is easy it's gone once the first Jhana is established. But how to you get rid of sustain thought? I have ready many books & articles but i don't understand them to well.…
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