Jhanas
Jhana is the Pali word for mental or meditative absorption, and in Buddhist meditation, the jhanas refer to states of deep concentration attainable through practice.
From ancient Buddhist stories to new novels with Buddhist settings or themes, this summer reading list has something for everyone.
Jhana: The Spice Your Meditation Has Been Missing
Meditation teacher and political columnist Jay Michaelson explains how jhana meditation is a transformative and vital part of the eightfold path.
Magazine | Teachings, What's in a Word?
What’s in a Word? Jhāna
Our expert discusses its meaning and practice.
Sutta Study: Factors of Concentration
The Samadhanga Sutta explains how insight arises from developing jhana, the Buddha’s concentration.
Entering the Jhanas: Focus Comes First
A practice to develop the steady mind necessary for attaining wisdom
Can Virtual Reality Help You Reach Enlightenment?
If games that train and transport your mind are cheating, then so are vast swaths of the Buddhist tradition, according to this meditation teacher.
Thirsting for Enlightenment
Ayya Khema likens the path to a walk through the desert.
Within You Without You
Like a telescope launched into orbit beyond the distortions of the earth’s atmosphere, shamatha meditation provides a platform for exploring the deep space of the mind.
MeditationMagazine | On Practice
Stepping Toward Enlightenment
How deep can your meditation go? Thai forest monk Ajahn Brahm traces the path from mindfulness to profound meditative states through the sixteen steps of anapanasati.
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