Questions about Meditation

[Anon]

Hello everyone. Long-time lurker. I have two questions:

Is this a complete meditation procedure? I gathered this procedure from Jhanon's meditation topic:

1. Focus on the extremities till they tingle.
2. Focus on the tingle.
3. Focus on each jhana-nimitta as it successively arises.
4. Pass through the four upper stages of samadhi till reaching Nibbana.
5. That's it.

Second, could one pass through the whole of samadhi to Nibbana without assuming any "eastern" posture (e.g. lotus, lion's pose etc.)? Say I just lied down in my bed or sat at my desk, am I missing something that someone who does the traditional postures is getting?

Thanks.

[bodhimind]

Hello everyone. Long-time lurker. I have two questions:

Is this a complete meditation procedure? I gathered this procedure from Jhanon's meditation topic:

1. Focus on the extremities till they tingle.
2. Focus on the tingle.
3. Focus on each jhana-nimitta as it successively arises.
4. Pass through the four upper stages of samadhi till reaching Nibbana.
5. That's it.

Second, could one pass through the whole of samadhi to Nibbana without assuming any "eastern" posture (e.g. lotus, lion's pose etc.)? Say I just lied down in my bed or sat at my desk, am I missing something that someone who does the traditional postures is getting?

Thanks.

Well, I cannot speak for the rest as they are far more attained than I am, but this is how I interpret it. I hope someone can correct me if I am wrong about it:

1. Attention becomes still on a meditation object. Balance grip between tension and loosening (agitations in body and mind). This shifts one away from torpor/anxiety mental states into wholesome mental states.

2. Absorption into object starts, charisms arise. For me, tactile and auditory always starts first. Eventually you reach non-dual mind, which is equanimity.

3. Ride the charisms until fourth jhana where there is no more physical sensory contact.

4. Apparently here's where you pop out, but I've only done it twice, both during sleep. So I'd also appreciate advice about it here.

---

Well, I do Burmese like Jhanananda suggests, because doing half-lotus tends to stop the blood flow in my lower leg, making it numb. Also, I have big calves that seem to pressure my blood vessels in full-lotus. You can also do laying-down meditation, which usually results in OOBE (my two OOBEs were from laying down). After fourth jhana the posture doesn't matter since you'll be in the mano-maya.

[Jhanananda]

Well, I cannot speak for the rest as they are far more attained than I am, but this is how I interpret it. I hope someone can correct me if I am wrong about it:

1. Attention becomes still on a meditation object. Balance grip between tension and loosening (agitations in body and mind). This shifts one away from torpor/anxiety mental states into wholesome mental states.

2. Absorption into object starts, charisms arise. For me, tactile and auditory always starts first. Eventually you reach non-dual mind, which is equanimity.

3. Ride the charisms until fourth jhana where there is no more physical sensory contact.

4. Apparently here's where you pop out, but I've only done it twice, both during sleep. So I'd also appreciate advice about it here.

---

Well, I do Burmese like Jhanananda suggests, because doing half-lotus tends to stop the blood flow in my lower leg, making it numb. Also, I have big calves that seem to pressure my blood vessels in full-lotus. You can also do laying-down meditation, which usually results in OOBE (my two OOBEs were from laying down). After fourth jhana the posture doesn't matter since you'll be in the mano-maya.

This is a pretty good description of the methodology that most of us are following.  I would add discipline is critical. 

1] Discipline is making an effort to avoid the 10 fetters/7 deadly sins.
2] Also learning to relax deeply.
3] I found developing a sitting posture that I could sustain for an hour or more helped me a great deal.  This was cross legged on the floor, as described above.  However, I am aware that others here meditate lying down only, and they do get some results.

[Michel]

3] I found developing a sitting posture that I could sustain for an hour or more helped me a great deal.  This was cross legged on the floor, as described above.  However, I am aware that others here meditate lying down only, and they do get some results.

Well, I believe in comfort. I can't sit cross legged since I have nerve damage in my feet. I'm thinking of buying one of those high tech, fully adjustable ergonomic chairs.