Progress as a beginner

[Rodan]

I'm curious Jhanananda, is it normal to have your vision flickering after meditating? When I say flickering, I don't mean my eyesights going or things are going dark, it's more like the things I see appear to be vibrating. It wasn't my eyelights either. I wonder if my eyes were quivering maybe.

[Rodan]

Had an interesting experience. I was not in any strong 1st jhana, had mild piti and strong tranquility and suddenly. Suddenly it felt like my mind was in a giant empty hallway. The only thought I could observe was my reaction to the experience but it was the quietest my minds ever been. Initially I thought I was feeling such a way because my body had numbed but I could still feel my body.

[Jhanananda]

Thank you, Rodan, for posting your experience of deep meditation. Your experience supports the finding here that we have to meditate on a regular and consistent basis because occasional we are going to get the rocket ship ride to exceptional depth in meditation.  So, congratulations, and keep showing up on a consistent and regular basis for meditation, because you are likely to experience many more such profound experiences in mediation.

[Rodan]

Thank you for the encouragement as ever Jhanananda.

I have been progressing in the technical aspects as of late as well. I can now remain nearly perfectly still for about 40 minutes at a time approximately during my sits and it is leading to better sense withdrawal.

[Rodan]

After plateauing for several months and having inconsistent depth I've been able to reach deeper and more consistent first jhana. I credit this to the improvement i've been having in sense withdrawal.

It used to be that I would require attention on the breath throughout the day to maintain awareness, but now I can switch over to the charisms. I'm also beginning to be able to discern the chakras. I can discern primarily the Muladhara chakra, the anahata chakra and the ajna chakra primarily.

Thank you Jhanananda, for your wisdom and encouragement.

[Jhanananda]

After plateauing for several months and having inconsistent depth I've been able to reach deeper and more consistent first jhana. I credit this to the improvement i've been having in sense withdrawal.

It used to be that I would require attention on the breath throughout the day to maintain awareness, but now I can switch over to the charisms. I'm also beginning to be able to discern the chakras. I can discern primarily the Muladhara chakra, the anahata chakra and the ajna chakra primarily.

Thank you Jhanananda, for your wisdom and encouragement.

This is a sign of significant progress.  Keep seeking depth while maintaining your successes and you are sure to find greater depth in meditation.