Hi Mike,
Excellent question and a very important one. In short, maintaining in
the state of Jhana is the goal of meditation. My teacher said, when we
are in Jhana, a realm of light (not images), we witness the truth of the
universe. Now, what does it mean and how to get into Jhana effectively?
We all know that it is not easy to get into Jhana. Most of us know that
it requires a solid foundation of physical health. So,
Chan practitioners borrow the practice from Tao -- tune up our chi, so
that we could become healthier, then transform our physical entity into
an energy entity, then we could transform into a spiritual entity. In
other words, without cultivating our chi and rejuvenate our body, we are
just practicing with our mind, which is only one third of our being.
Enlightenment is a state integrating our body, mind and spirit.
Buddhists were taught the path to enlightenment needs to surpass the
Three Realms -- Desire, Form, Formless.
As we focus internally onto our chakras and chi channels, rejuvenating
our health, we are in essence also redirecting our thoughts for quieting
our monkey mind. (Realm of Desire) At the same time, this practice
enhances our awareness and focus (both are spiritual elements) to the
current state of being of our body and mind. Taoist call awareness and
focus, inner god. In other words, without energy, there can be no
awareness. When we are tired, can we focus?
When our chi flow becomes strong enough, then we would enjoy a sense of
bliss, that sense of bliss is no difference from love or contentment.
With this inner sense of security (loving kindness), we would slowly let
go of our mental values and reshuffle our priorities in life.
As we continue to focus inwardly, when are we completely depleted of
thoughts, (surpassing the realm of form), we would reach the state of
Jhana, where our heart would be joyful, content and loving, as well as
in most of our daily lives, we would be connected to the wisdom of each
moment naturally, effortlessly, automatically without thinking.
Yet, Jhana is only one third the way to enlightenment. As stated in
sutra, to become the Awakened One, we need to awaken ourselves, then
awaken others, then accomplish all acts of awakening. When ten thousand
merits are accumulated, then Buddhahood is reached.
These are my witness to share with you. Being taught by an enlightened
master does have its benefits. :-)
There is not much time left in all of us. If anyone is interest to
practice the "Lineage Chan", please let me know.
Thank you for the opportunity to share.
JMJM
Head Teacher
Chan Center USA
My sharing http://www.buddhachan.org/en/sharings-en/241-sharing-jingming-f2c
On 9/6/2012 4:08 AM, mike brown wrote:
JMJM,
I can't find the post where you referred to the "jhanas", but I've
never seen you refere to them before. What do you understand by them
and do they play an important role in your practice?
Mike
