Chat Room (Voice/Text)

[Jhanon]

I think a chat room, or conference call can work.  We have a few people who are interested in getting together via the chat room/conference call.  So, now perhaps a little organization will help it happen.  Should we set a date and time and a topic to discuss?

That's an excellent point, Jhananda. I think we should first determine the topic, which will motivate people to be there. So, everyone;

What are you still curious or unsure about?

What have you been struggling to learn or understand?

What important knowledge have you recently acquired that isn't clearly shown on the forum?

[Michel]

We are practicing towards understanding our suffering and how to end it. Why not discuss this?

It maybe better just to start a thread on this great subject since if we 'conference call it' we'll forget everything we discussed, and the texting that we do will have to be copied and pasted into any threads that we start afterwards. On the other hand with conferencing we can brain storm it then afterwards we can discuss it on the forum. I'm just guessing. Let's just do it and see how she goes.

[Jhanananda]

I think we should first determine the topic, which will motivate people to be there. So, everyone;

What are you still curious or unsure about?

What have you been struggling to learn or understand?

What important knowledge have you recently acquired that isn't clearly shown on the forum?

We are practicing towards understanding our suffering and how to end it. Why not discuss this?

I think all of these suggestions are excellent topic choices.  So, now we have to agree upon one topic to discuss.

[Alexander]

I've made an account on here at Alexander.GWV.

[Jhanon]

I'll pop on and add you.

And in lieu of any topic suggestions so far, I suggest:

What important knowledge have you recently acquired that isn't clearly shown on the forum?

I would like to discuss my insights into EXACTLY what "mastering the 4 stages" of meditative absorption means, and then hear from the others and go from there.

[Jhanananda]

OK, so we have a date now for a video conference call via Skype.  It is Tomorrow at 3pm Arizona time.  If you can join us, then it should be interesting.

[Jhanon]

At the very least, I think it will be far more catalyzing than forum discussion for us non-arahants.

[Jhanananda]

I believe that this is 3pm Mountain Standard Time Zone, 2pm Pacific Coast Time Zone; 1pm Central Time Zone; noon Eastern Time Zone; 11AM Atlantic Time Zone.

[Jhanon]

Thank you, Jhananda.

One last reminder, that the proposed beginning topic is discerning jhana level and attainment in the case of aspirants new to jhana. I've repeatedly run into aspirants (someone give me a better word for that) who say they can't access jhana, and then describe their meditation experiences to me which end up being jhana. The same thing happened to me for two years, before I finally realized I had been accessing it. Once I realized it, I made rapid progress.The same goes for the other aspirants.

What i wish to specifically discuss is the vast gap in how an aspirant and an enlightened being experience the form jhanas. Meaning, the experience of an enlightened being will almost perfectly match that as described by the Buddha, whereas that of an aspirant will not--even though the aspirant is absolutely accessing jhana.

If it pleases the sangha, I'd like to briefly give an example and then hear thoughts from a range of attainment levels. Where it goes from there is sure to be interesting.

[Jhanon]

Before we begin in a couple hours, I have a few last points to ensure this goes pleasantly--as I've already crash-coursed in Skype group calls.

1) Firstly, there must be a moderator. Someone who everyone knows is sort of guiding the flow of the discussion. Otherwise some talk endlessly, some never get a chance, or everyone wastes time talking at once. I'm happy to take that position in this call, because I'm very familiar with it. I may not even need to do anything, but I'll basically pay attention to who tries to speak and ensure they are heard. For those who are less assertive, there is number 2.

2) While you're in the Skype call, you're still capable of writing to everyone in the chat window as well. So, if you have a strong inspiration to express something, you can simply type "1" or a few words--just something that shows you wish to talk next. It's like a talking stick. The moderator will ensure you get your chance to speak next.

Within 1 or 2 calls this all becomes natural and flows very beautifully. Simply the experience of harmonious discussion is pleasant.

Cheers

[Jhanananda]

Michel, Jhanon, and Rougeleader.  It was a very positive experience for me, and I believe for them as well.

[Jhanon]

Word. I have scheduled a repeat for next Sunday at the same time. The catalyzing  nature was palpable, and I now, more than ever, consider these regular real-time meetings one of the highest priorities for us and the future prosperity of the GWV and its ability to support genuine mystics.

[Jhanananda]

I expect that we will have another fire-side chat on SKYPE today.  4PM my time (Mountain Time) works better for me, but if it does not for those who wish to be there, then let me know as soon as possible so that I can accommodate your request.

[Michel]

What time do you mean? You have a typo.

[Jhanananda]

Thanks, Michel, for the heads up. I mean, 4PM my time (Mountain Time) works better for me.