My take on the Jhanas from a Jungian perspective.

[Cino]

Here's a working definition for solid concentration in any of the rupa jhanas: Bringing together different senses into the concentration. For example, a hand mudra, the mental equivalent of the mudra, and a seed syllable - form the hand into a loose fist, hold the concept of a fist in the mind, and chant "Ah", and hold all three things in concentration.

What do you think?

 

[seattlegal]

Here's a working definition for solid concentration in any of the rupa jhanas: Bringing together different senses into the concentration. For example, a hand mudra, the mental equivalent of the mudra, and a seed syllable - form the hand into a loose fist, hold the concept of a fist in the mind, and chant "Ah", and hold all three things in concentration.

What do you think?

If it works for you, great.

 

[Thomas]

I wrote this ... I'm always up for a good heated debate!

Just to say I find covid care duties distracting, so I want to get into this, but I need to take time to read and contemplate. Enjoying reading, though.

 

[Cino]

Just to say I find covid care duties distracting, so I want to get into this, but I need to take time to read and contemplate. Enjoying reading, though.

Here's a solid, if dry, intro to the topic from a Theravada Buddhist Monk's perspective (as orthodox as it gets)

https://accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/gunaratana/wheel351.html

Long read, but it will provide a backdrop or framework to @seattlegal's exposition and my remarks.

 

[Aupmanyav]

.. the Holy Spirit does not take over your mind ..

I would not let any holy spirit take over my mind. My mind is exclusively mine.
Seattlegal and Cino, you are being too technical. If I want to contemplate on something, I can switch off other thought immediately, instantaneously. Other people also can do that. So what else is required?

 

[seattlegal]

I would not let any holy spirit take over my mind. My mind is exclusively mine.
Seattlegal and Cino, you are being too technical. If I want to contemplate on something, I can switch off other thought immediately, instantaneously. Other people also can do that. So what else is required?

Recognizing each mental formation for what it is, imo.