Introduction to the Jhanas with Evan Leed
This event is open to the public with a suggested donation of $20.
The jhanas are states of powerful bliss and relaxation we can enter simply by allowing the mind to rest in concentration. Though not inherent to Buddhism, they figure prominently in the earliest Buddhist scriptures - the Pali Canon - as a method used by the historical Buddha and his disciples to ready the mind for the practices leading to enlightenment. in the 2500 years since the life of the Buddha there have been many developments to the practice of jhana within Buddhism, though we also see similar states presented in numerous other religious and spiritual traditions.
This workshop will mainly focus on the jhanas as set forth in the Pali Cannon - what they are, what is their purpose, and how to enter into and progress through them. We will also look at the differing ways they are commonly presented and both how the jhanas can be used in daily life as a source of wellbeing and how they form the basis for the practices that bring about deeper insights into the nature of reality.
We will do two guided meditations presenting a technique used by meditation master U Indaka Sayadaw, which establish a compassionate, open view as the basis for allowing us to relax into the pleasure of the jhanas. This method both remains true to tradition and allows practitioners to access these bliss states without necessarily spending significant time on retreat.
This workshop is open to participants of all backgrounds. No prior experience in meditation is assumed or required.
About Evan
Evan Leed has had a daily meditation practice for over fifteen years and has been working with the jhanas for eight. He was authorized to teach by George Haas, founder of Mettagroup and former student of U Indaka Sayadaw. He has sat nine retreats with Leigh Brasington, whose book “Right Concentration” is considered by many to be one of the key modern texts on the practice of jhana. Evan maintains close relationships with both George and Leigh to this day.