The jhanas are eight progressive altered states of consciousness that can be identified with the aspect of the Buddha’s Eightfold Path called Right Concentration. Training in concentration leads to these states, each of which yields a deeper and subtler state of awareness than the previous one. The jhanas are not in themselves awakening, but they are a skillful means for stilling the mind in a way that leads in that direction, and they are attainable by many people who devote the time and sincerity of practice necessary to realize them. Jhana practice, combined with insight practices, is helpful for gaining wisdom necessary for ending dukkha.

This retreat will focus on the teaching of this technique and the application of the jhanas for enhancing insight practice. The retreat will be held in Noble Silence with sitting and walking meditation and personal interviews. In addition to the two teachers, the retreat will also include videos of Ven. Ayya Khema teaching The Potthapada Sutta.

The retreat numbers are capped to allow for the intensive interview schedule and for each participant to have a single room.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT RETREAT CENTER PREREQUISITES:
We are setting a high bar for retreats for advanced students. In the past, the definition of an experienced or advanced student has generally been characterized by the amount of formal retreat time in which one has engaged. While time logged on the cushion can be an important aspect of experience, we do not find this measure alone to be a meaningful gauge of the quality of a student’s practice.

We see an advanced student as someone who has developed a balanced practice, with sincere and diligent attention to practicing sila (ethical/moral conduct) and dana (generosity), in addition to bhavana (cultivation of mind). Sometimes yogis engage in unwholesome behaviors indicative of a need for additional development.

Some of these behaviors include
• Arriving late or leaving a retreat early without prior permission (except in the case of an emergency).
• Lying or manipulating to secure a single room or other personal preferences.
• Not fulfilling yogi job commitments.
• Not offering dana to the teacher or staff (of money, volunteer energy, or another expression of generosity/gratitude).
• Making demands expressive of entitlement.

All of these behaviors create hardship and have a corrosive effect on our collective ability to keep the Dhamma alive, available and accessible.

It is our belief as a Dhamma organization that those who aspire to take their wisdom practice to deeper levels should not neglect the vital foundational practices of dana and sila. All practitioners are welcome on any of our open retreats. However, in order to be considered a suitable candidate for an experienced/ advanced student retreat, these new criteria are in place to create the most fertile field of practice for all who attend and to provide adequate support for the teachers and retreat center who are gifting these practice opportunities to the world.