If you want to know more about meditation in the Theravada tradition, then you need to undertsand what the suttas really say about the jhanas.
It is a path to Nibbana and it is not secondary in any way to so called “insight” (vipassana) meditation.
The Buddha, Sariputta and many more disciples of the Buddha were jhana masters. It was their primary meditation.
On the Buddha’s death he reached Nibbana by the jhanas. The suttas say that the jhanas slope towards Nibbana.
Basically, in my opinion the teachings of this great jhana master (The Buddha) have been hijacked with a focus away from the jhanas. To study what is generally said about the jhanas is like looking at a pure object through a clouded lens.
The Buddha is constantly seen in the suttas encouraging his disciples to develop jhana.
Do you want to start meditating or deepen your practice?
We offer personal guidance, completely on a donation basis.
You yourselves must strive, the Buddhas only point the way
Buddha, Dhp 276
The Progress of Insight: A Modern Pali Treatise on Buddhist Satipatthana Meditation
Mahasi SayadawThe practice of vipassana or insight meditation was described by the Buddha as the “direct way” for the overcoming of all sorrow and grief and for realizing…
Modern Buddhist Masters
Jack KornfieldThe Material in this book have been collected or translated over a number of years. They represent an intimate record of spoken Dhamma, the teaching of many of…
Great Disciples of the Buddha: Their Lives, Works and Legacy
Nyanaponika TheraTwenty-four of the Buddha’s most distinguished disciples are brought to life in ten chapters of rich narration. They include monks who were very close to him…
Practical Insight Meditation: Basic and Progressive Stages
Mahasi SayadawThe practice of vipassana or insight meditation was described by the Buddha as the direct way, for the overcoming of all sorrow and grief and for realizing…
Satipatthana Vipassana: Insight through Mindfulness
Mahasi SayadawOn the personal request of the Honourable U Nu, Prime Minister, and Thado Thiri Thudhamma Sir U Thwin, President of the Buddha Sāsanānuggaha Association…
The Way to Happiness and Peace: Understanding the Basics of Insight Meditation
Sayadaw U PanditaAll beings Everywhere by their very nature seek happiness, but few realize that happiness can only be found by obtaining peace of mind. The Buddha taught that…