the Theravada tradition is to read 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” meditation. The Buddha and Sariputta et al 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 the Theravada says about the Jhanas is like looking at a pure object through a clouded lens.
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You yourselves must strive, the Buddhas only point the way
Buddha, Dhp 276
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…
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…
The Manual of Insight & The Noble Eightfold Path and Its Factors Explained
Ledi SayadawKnowing that reliable information on the practice of insight meditation was much needed by practitioners in the West, the renowned Burmese master Ledi Sayadaw…
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 mine!. The Buddha taught that…
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…
The Practice Which Leads to Nibbana
Pa-Auk SayadawThe method of practicing meditation that is taught at Pa Auk Tawya Monastery is based on the explanation of meditation found in the Visuddhimagga commentary.
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