Ajahn Brahmali: “What Is & Isn't A Jhana” Dhamma Talk, Meditation, Q&A in Brighton 13.06.24

Ajahn Brahmali gives a 15-minute guided meditation followed by a 40-minute Dhamma talk on deep states of meditation called jhanas, including how they come about and how to recognize them, drawing on the story of the Buddha’s life and his realization of jhanas as the path leading to awakening just prior to his Enlightenment. The talk closes with a 40-minute Q&A session.

[0:00] Introduction and guided meditation
[17:03] Putting the causes for jhanas in place
[24:11] Story of the Buddha’s life and significance of remembering childhood jhana
[35:56] Right view and jhana meditation (a pair of qualities)
[49:22] A journey through many layers of happiness
[54:38] Recognizing the profundity of true jhana
[1:04:19] Q1: What is ego?
[1:06:20] Q2: Description of jhana
[1:08:46] Q3-4: Right attitude if not aspiring for jhana
[1:21:05] Q5: Purpose of life
[1:22:47] Q6: Emotions in Buddhist practice
[1:26:35] Q7: Jhanas and superpowers
[1:30:40] Q8: Reflecting back on your meditation
[1:33:10] Q9: Is Buddhism compatible with political engagement?
[1:36:57] Q10: Working with restlessness
[1:42:06] Closing

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The Buddha spoke about jhana, the most profound stages of meditation, as being essential to the path towards Enlightenment, but are these states attainable in this day and age? How do we know if we, our teachers, or our friends have experienced a jhana and more importantly, if we are heading in the right way?

In this talk, Ajahn Brahmali will compare the word of the Buddha to some of the misconceptions of jhana today and share tips for putting the causes in place for jhana to happen in a way that leads to wisdom.

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Anukampa Bhikkhuni Project is a charity that aims to spread the Buddha's teachings and give women the opportunity to train toward full bhikkhuni ordination for the very first time in the UK. Over the years we have developed a diverse and dedicated spiritual community around these aims and recently found a property! Anukampa Grove Bhikkhuni Monastery, in Boar's Hill, Oxford, is surrounded by peaceful woodland. We moved there only on March 22nd, 2024. In this exciting phase we welcome your support to enable us to cover the significant running costs, make essential renovations and adaptations to the property, and welcome visitors and aspiring monastic trainees as soon as we can!

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