Leigh Brasington on Sutta Jhanas (Podcast)

I'm listening to this episode of the Secular Buddhist Podcast, and finding that it resonates strongly with my experience of practicing jhanas (especially early on in my practice):

Episode 165 :: Leigh Brasington :: Sutta Jhanas

This isn't new information for at least some of you. Still, I find the distinction between sutta jhana and visuddhimagga jhana useful. Leigh seems to be speaking both about how these states are described in the Pali canon, his own experience, and that of his students.

I should say that I don't place any special authority on the Pali literature in terms of what I consider helpful Buddhist practice. It just happens to be a part of this particular conversation.

At 29:02, Leigh mentions that unresolved psychological issues may arise when we start to become more concentrated. Also, if you try to suppress the stuff, it can inhibit the ability to access deeper states of concentration. I think this is hugely important to recognize!

I wish I could have been there, Tom! One of these years I'll make it to the conference.

"Buddha said that the whole of the … path is noble friends and noble conversation."

Am enjoying listening to this!

Yesterday I watched the video; today am listening to the podcast. Years ago, when my first intro to "jhana" was LB's article in one of the Buddhist magazines, I was very impressed with his erudition, experience, and clarity; now I'm REALLY impressed at how offhand, accessible, and cheerful he is in his expertise. Ordinariness at this level strikes me as being the true mark of mastery.

I am resolving to look further into his offerings.