Originally posted by Isis:
For one whom has attained first jhana, can easily go into first
jhana at any moment.. even at the moment of death?
No, please read my post again. I mean, if you can attain first
jhana, it does not mean you can attain first jhana again easily, or
even at will, it requires practise and mastery to be able to enter
it "at your will".
I heard it was actually encouraged to attain first
jhana...
can practise dharma there too?
of course in the long run, we should all practise and strive for
enlightenment.
Depends on which teacher. The reason why some teachers would
teach that entering at least first jhana is very helpful, is
because it stabilises the mind a lot. Some teachers teach Insight
straight, etc.
Dharma Dan said,
As concentration improves, it is
as though the mind sees the first jhana and grabs on to it.
Having an idea of what you are looking for, i.e. something
enjoyable and steady, can be helpful for this. It has the five
primary factors of applied and sustained effort or attention,
rapture, happiness and concentration. Thus, it is great fun, feels
good, but takes consistent effort to sustain. The attention is
focused narrowly, as though one were looking at a small area of
this page. This state can be quite a relief from the pain and
discomfort of sitting meditation and can temporarily quiet the mind
somewhat. As with all the concentration states, it is generally
quite easy to concentrate on something that is very enjoyable.
Thus, ones concentration skills may improve rapidly and easily
after attaining the first jhana and tend to basically flounder
until one has a attained the first jhana. Thus, attaining the first
jhana is really, really important.
And anyway yes, you can practise Dharma at the first jhana too.
Why? From what I know, the Brahma King, Maha Brahma, is also a
Buddhist (quite obviously, he invited Buddha to teach, and took
refuge under him, and invited him to the heavens to teach), he is
an Anagami (3rd stage Arhat).
My Master and teachers however, do not recommend any particular
jhanic cultivation.
