Practicing the Jhanas: Traditional Concentration Meditation as Presented by the Venerable Pa Auk Sayadaw

by Stephen Snyder, Tina Rasmussen, Pa Auk Sayadaw (Foreword by)

Overview

Two experienced American meditators explain the stages and techniques of concentration meditation, as taught by the Buddhist master Pa Auk Sayadaw

This is a clear and in-depth presentation of the traditional Theravadin concentration meditation known as jhāna practice, from two authors who have practiced the jhānas in retreat under the guidance of one of the great living meditation masters, Pa Auk Sayadaw. The authors describe the techniques and their results, based on their own experience.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780834822825
Publisher:	Shambhala
Publication date:	12/01/2009
Series:	Shambhala Publications
Sold by:	Penguin Random House Publisher Services
Format:	eBook
Pages:	160
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Stephen Snyder began practicing Zen Buddhism in 1976, and has had a daily meditation practice from that time on. He practiced for 20 years with several Western Zen masters. He participated in more than 50 retreats, receiving several ordinations and the Zen dharma name Peak Wisdom, Mutual Joy. Stephen attended a two-month retreat with Ven. Pa Auk Sayadaw in 2005. He attained the eight jhanas (as well as other practices) in the span of the retreat, becoming the first American male to complete this attainment. 

Tina Rasmussen has been practicing meditation intensively since 1996. In 2005, she attended a two-month jhana retreat with Ven. Pa Auk Sayadaw, who ordained her as a Theravada Buddhist nun. During the retreat, Tina became the first American and the first Western woman to complete the eight jhanas (as well as other practices) in the lineage of Ven. Pa Auk Sayadaw.

Read an Excerpt

“Stephen Snyder and Tina Rasmussen know what they write about in this book through their own direct experience as dedicated yogis. This book serves as a bridge for Westerners, as a conduit to the traditional teachings of the Buddha.”—Venerable Pa Auk Sayadaw

“This book offers a fascinating look at the inner experience of jhana meditation as taught by the Ven. Pa Auk Sayadaw. Tina and Stephen are among a very few Western students of Sayadaw who can speak authoritatively about these profound levels of concentration. Their work is a most valuable addition to the contemporary literature of Theravadin Buddhism.”—Guy Armstrong, Senior Dharma Teacher, Spirit Rock Meditation Center

“This is a unique road map to the extraordinary and transforming states of mind known as the jhanas. As a psychologist and as a practicing Buddhist, I recommend this book wholeheartedly.”—Rick Hansen, PhD, co-author of Buddha’s Brain: The New Neuroscience of Happiness, Love, and Wisdom

Table of Contents

Foreword by Pa Auk Sayadaw vii
Preface ix
Acknowledgments xi

1. History of the Jhānas 1
2. Samatha Practice: The Purification of Mind 7
3. Foundational Understandings 37
4. Skillful Effort from First Sit to First Jhāna 51
5. Material Jhānas One through Four and Related Practices 71
6. Immaterial Jhānas Five through Eight and Related Practices 99
7. The Sublime Abidings and Protective Meditations 115
8. Four Elements Meditation 119
9. The Buddha as Our Role Model 129

Epilogue 131
Progression of Practice Chart 134
Notes 137
Bibliography 140
Index 141
About the Authors 147

Editorial Reviews

Finely constructed meditation manual.”—Buddhadharma

“Clear and in-depth. Practicing the Jhanas explains difficult concepts and ideas in an accessible format and enriches the reader’s understanding of meditation.”—Yoga Magazine (UK)


“Stephen Snyder and Tina Rasmussen know what they write about in this book through their own direct experience as dedicated yogis. This book serves as a bridge for Westerners, as a conduit to the traditional teachings of the Buddha.”—Venerable Pa Auk Sayadaw

“This is a unique road map to the extraordinary and transforming states of mind known as the jhanas. As a psychologist and as a practicing Buddhist, I recommend this book wholeheartedly.”—Rick Hansen, PhD, co-author of Buddha’s Brain: The New Neuroscience of Happiness, Love, and Wisdom

“Practicing the Jhénas is a wonderful addition to our understanding of concentration practice. Tina Rasmussen and Stephen Snyder draw on a wealth of personal experience to clearly elucidate and fine-tune this profound meditative path. Highly recommended.”—Joseph Goldstein, author of A Heart Full of Peace and One Dharma

“A fascinating look at the inner experience of jhúna meditation as taught by the Ven. Pa Auk Sayadaw. Tina and Stephen are among a very few Western students of Sayadaw who can speak authoritatively about these profound levels of concentration. Their work is a most valuable addition to the contemporary literature of Theravadin Buddhism.”—Guy Armstrong, teacher, Spirit Rock Meditation Center

“This book will be of interest to any dedicated meditator, regardless of their style of practice. It provides a valuable contribution to the growing understanding of jhúna and its important place in Buddhist meditation.”—Richard Shankman, author of The Experience of Samadhi

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