Michel's Case History

[Ichigo]

Today, during 3 of my sits, every time I used the sound my heart beat as my meditation object, intense, blissful sensations would arise in my head in about 10 to 20 seconds, without fail. It's not as pleasant a sensation as compared to the breath, but it works for me.

Only 10-20 Seconds?! That sounds great!! from what I have heard is that when one puts sustained attention on the right side of the heart, this produce some kind of tinglings which will grow into blissful experience because the heart chakra gets stimulated this way.
I never really tried it myself though.

I myself was looking for some ear plugs, however I want to avoid ear plugs because one time it came inside my ear to deep and clogged my whole ear, and there are so many other negative experiences on the net about them that I prefer not to mess around with them.. that's why a few days ago I came pass those ear muffs, which are cheap as $4.. I know they are against very loud noises.. but I am not sure if they cancel other more low frequency noises such as normal conversations, annoying neighbours, media such as TV.. and if they aren't to tense on the head as a distraction to meditation..

[Jhanananda]

Thank-you for this comment, Jhananda, it's food for thought.

My initial impression is when blissful feelings arise and take hold they almost feel beyond the effort of vitaka and viccara; it almost feels that you no longer have to apply and sustain your attention on your meditation object but you are still making a slight effort. However, sometimes there is no effort of having to apply and sustain your attention, it becomes just a case of simply observing those blissful sensations, you are just effortlessly floating about watching those blissful feelings as a passive observer. I'm not sure, it's possible that I may have experienced this a couple of times, but I'm not quite there yet since I do not do this consistent basis. I'm almost at the stage where intense blissful sensations last a long time and possibly lead to a still mind. I just need to keep at it. Do you think this makes sense?

When you become a Stream Winner, then the charisms (jhana-nimitta) become easy to come by.  Since you find them easy now to find, then you must be a Stream Winner.  The Stream is the charisms.

But what do you think about this, Ichigo and Jhananda? Is it possible maybe the actual act of thinking about the bliss that you want to arise becomes a new meditation object and this acts as a vehicle leading to actual bliss?

Yes, anything that we attend to in a focused manner, whether it is abstract (nama) or concrete (rupa) is a meditation object.

PS - I had a couple of interesting meditation sessions today where I used the sound of my heart as a meditation object [m/o]. [I use ear protectors, they amplify internal body sounds.] It's such an easy m/o to follow. It seems to be easier than following the breath. On every occasion that I used it intense blissful sensations arouse in a very short time. Whenever I shifted my attention to the blissful sensations they would subside. Maybe I should stay with my m/o longer and build up those blissful feelings. But this is really interesting!?

...Today, during 3 of my sits, every time I used the sound my heart beat as my meditation object, intense, blissful sensations would arise in my head in about 10 to 20 seconds, without fail. It's not as pleasant a sensation as compared to the breath, but it works for me.

When I lived in San Francisco it was very noisy there, so I used to use simple foam hearing protection that was a cylinder of foam.  To use it one just roles it between the index and another finger, then insert it into the ear canal before it swells back up.  I found it better than most hearing protect.  It is also less intrusive.

At that time I worked in a canning factory, where I had to wear hearing protect all day long.  Almost all other hearing protection equipment would result in an ear infection for me, from habitual use, except these foam cylinders.  They are very inexpensive, and they can also be used in conjunction with another hearing protection device for additional sound attenuation.

After I ramped up my meditation practice to 3 1.5 hour sessions per day I then spent a week camping along the US Mexican boarder in very remote areas.  One such place was School House Canyon.  There I found it so quiet that I could even hear my heart.  I used the sound of my heart as a meditation object instead of the breath.  That week it was very effective to get me well established in the charismatic sound.  From then on the charismatic sound has been with me continuously.

[Michel]

Jhananda:

At that time I worked in a canning factory, where I had to wear hearing protect all day long.  Almost all other hearing protection equipment would result in an ear infection for me, from habitual use, except these foam cylinders.  They are very inexpensive, and they can also be used in conjunction with another hearing protection device for additional sound attenuation.

I've tried several types of foam ear plugs, similar to the ones you describe, and some are better than others. I can wear my shooters ear protectors for one hour without any discomfort at all; the longest I've worn them was about 3 hours with some degree of discomfort. In my opinion, they're much more comfortable than earplugs, and I'm convinced they're more effective at reducing sound levels. They are good for completely eliminating or significantly reducing sounds like people next door talking, music, air conditioning, refridgerators and furnaces. They are less effective with cupboards banging, dogs barking, lawn mowers, weed wackers, and very low frequency sounds. And like you, I sometimes use them together with foam earplugs for additional attenuation. This is very effective, and especially so when my immediate neighbours are partying - I can't hear them at all.

Jhananda:

When you become a Stream Winner, then the charisms (jhana-nimitta) become easy to come by.  Since you find them easy now to find, then you must be a Stream Winner.  The Stream is the charisms.

I'm not sure if I'm a Stream Winner? One has to eliminate the 1st three fetters: belief in a self, doubt, and attachment to rites and rituals.

As for belief in a self, intellectually I understand that there is no real self, we are just a composite of our ever changing aggregates.

As for doubt, sometimes I'm not sure what to believe regarding the teachings of the Buddha -- what if the Buddha and Ananda were deluded, and got it all wrong, and therefore it's all a big fairy tale, the Pali Canon is all nonsense; or maybe the suttas have been misrepresented. That's what goes on in my mind sometimes, that's what keeps me questioning everything. On the other hand, my gut intuition tells me that there's something here, some kind of universal, timeless, ancient truth, beautiful and full of awe. It is my quest to find out. It's the big adventure, maybe I'm Don Quixote's reincarnation. I am, however, especially recently, gaining faith and confidence in the eightfold path; it seems so beautifully logical.

As for rites and rituals, I've got that one nailed -- I put my statue of the Buddha in the closet a long time ago; and the sight of somebody doing 108 prostrations before a Buddha statue gives me a headache.

I've read somewhere in the suttas, if I recall correctly, that the four levels of attainment (Stream-enterer, Once-returner, Non-returner and Arahant) correlate directly to the first four levels of jhana. Is this the case?

Jhananda:

There I found it so quiet that I could even hear my heart.  I used the sound of my heart as a meditation object instead of the breath.  That week it was very effective to get me well established in the charismatic sound.  From then on the charismatic sound has been with me continuously.

Every time I use the heartbeat as my m/o blissful sensations arise. When this occurs I switch to the blissful sensations as my new m/o. But usually the blissful sensations stay around only for a couple of minutes until subsiding, then I go back to the heartbeat as my  m/o. So, I keep going through this cycle over and over again. Its' like a balloon composed of bliss inflating and deflating in my head.  Sometimes by letting go and placing my attention on the bliss, it keeps going for 5 to 10 minutes maximum. Sounds like I need to practice. I don't think I've attained Stream Enterer level yet.

[Ichigo]

Jhananda, are you familiar with the case when one is with the breath for about let's say 20-30 minutes, and suddenly one thinks about sexual exciting thoughts, but is still with the breath and then a rush of piti invades the body and "shakes" you a little bit? (the trigger in this case is the sexual thoughts)

Should stuff like this be avoided?

[Jhanananda]

I've tried several types of foam ear plugs, similar to the ones you describe, and some are better than others. I can wear my shooters ear protectors for one hour without any discomfort at all; the longest I've worn them was about 3 hours with some degree of discomfort. In my opinion, they're much more comfortable than earplugs, and I'm convinced they're more effective at reducing sound levels. They are good for completely eliminating or significantly reducing sounds like people next door talking, music, air conditioning, refridgerators and furnaces. They are less effective with cupboards banging, dogs barking, lawn mowers, weed wackers, and very low frequency sounds. And like you, I sometimes use them together with foam earplugs for additional attenuation. This is very effective, and especially so when my immediate neighbours are partying - I can't hear them at all.

It is good that you found what works for you, so stick with, or make improvements in the future.  When I want silence I go camping in the wilderness.  That works for me.

I'm not sure if I'm a Stream Winner? One has to eliminate the 1st three fetters: belief in a self, doubt, and attachment to rites and rituals.

As for belief in a self, intellectually I understand that there is no real self, we are just a composite of our ever changing aggregates.

As for doubt, sometimes I'm not sure what to believe regarding the teachings of the Buddha -- what if the Buddha and Ananda were deluded, and got it all wrong, and therefore it's all a big fairy tale, the Pali Canon is all nonsense; or maybe the suttas have been misrepresented. That's what goes on in my mind sometimes, that's what keeps me questioning everything. On the other hand, my gut intuition tells me that there's something here, some kind of universal, timeless, ancient truth, beautiful and full of awe. It is my quest to find out. It's the big adventure, maybe I'm Don Quixote's reincarnation. I am, however, especially recently, gaining faith and confidence in the eightfold path; it seems so beautifully logical.

As for rites and rituals, I've got that one nailed -- I put my statue of the Buddha in the closet a long time ago; and the sight of somebody doing 108 prostrations before a Buddha statue gives me a headache.

I've read somewhere in the suttas, if I recall correctly, that the four levels of attainment (Stream-enterer, Once-returner, Non-returner and Arahant) correlate directly to the first four levels of jhana. Is this the case?

If you have found the bliss of the charisms (jhana-nimitta) and you know how to get back to them consistently, and you find some consolation in them, then you have found the stream, thus you are a stream winner.  However it is true that the 4 noble beings, which we have discussed here before, correlate with a reduction, or elimination, of the fetters, and they do indeed correlate with the 4 jhanas.  However, one experience of a jhana is not as transformative as living the lifestyle that consistently produces that jhana every day.

Every time I use the heartbeat as my m/o blissful sensations arise. When this occurs I switch to the blissful sensations as my new m/o. But usually the blissful sensations stay around only for a couple of minutes until subsiding, then I go back to the heartbeat as my  m/o. So, I keep going through this cycle over and over again. Its' like a balloon composed of bliss inflating and deflating in my head.  Sometimes by letting go and placing my attention on the bliss, it keeps going for 5 to 10 minutes maximum. Sounds like I need to practice. I don't think I've attained Stream Enterer level yet.

No matter what keep practicing, because liberation (vimokha) and enlightenment (nibanna) require a lifestyle that produces it, and sustains it.

Jhananda, are you familiar with the case when one is with the breath for about let's say 20-30 minutes, and suddenly one thinks about sexual exciting thoughts, but is still with the breath and then a rush of piti invades the body and "shakes" you a little bit? (the trigger in this case is the sexual thoughts)

Should stuff like this be avoided?

The hypersensitive phase tends to come after the 2nd jhana.  It is characterized by a number of things.  One of those things is the mind seems to get even less controlled, and one can start having out of control sexual fantasies etc.

There are a number of ways to look at this period of development.
1) The mind does not like that you are no longer paying attention to it, so it keeps increasing its inducements.  The mind will go through all 7 deadly sins/10-fetters to get you to pay attention to it.  If it is sexual fantasies, then it will give you them in spades, etc.

2) When we begin to still the mind, then the mind goes through a period of sloughing, like a snake sloughing its skin.  This sloughing can seem to go on for ever, and it can even appear to get worse.  It sloughs what we have been holding onto.  When we truly tame the mind, then the sloughing period will be over, and we will be left with a still, tranquil mind.

Liberation and enlightenment just take perseverance.

[Michel]

Often when I meditate I feel like a rocket blasting off into outer space trying to leave the pull of gravity, sometimes succeeding. As I begin to let go more and more deeply, and I'm not even following the breath, and I'm using letting go as my meditation object, often what happens is intense pressure builds up in my head accompanied by violent, involuntary, very deep in-breaths, followed by an out-breath that culminates in blissful feelings in my head. It's almost like an orgasm; or, as in the analogy of the rocket, it's like overcoming the pull of gravity. When this happens I place my attention on those blissful sensations. Usually the blissful sensations dissipate lasting at most ten minutes. I haven't yet managed to still the mind.

[Jhanananda]

That sounds like a very nice meditation, but if you have not stilled the mind, then it was the first jhana.  And, just think.  It only gets better the deeper you go.

[Michel]

Michel's Daily Practice:

I try to maintain a strict discipline in my practice throughout the day. I have to be my own drill sergeant. I welcome any suggestions on how I could improve my practice.

I am a hardcore recluse. I'm retired, and I am celibate with few responsibilities.

The following is how I practice each day, 24/7:

7:00am - I start my day, and wash up
 
7:20am - 1st meditation sitting

8:20am - Breakfast: oatmeal, 1 apple, 1 square dark chocolate, 1 cup of black tea, straight.

8:40am - On computer: check email, read news, check GWV forum
 
9:15am - Studying, reading, and reflection

11:00am - 2nd meditation sitting

12:00pm - Lunch: 1egg sliced, with mayo, on 1 slice of 12 grain bread, 1 orange, 1 cup of tea

12:15pm - Studying, reading, and reflection

1:30pm - 2:00pm - 3rd meditation sitting

3:00pm - Studying, reading, and reflection

5:00pm - 4th & final meditation sitting (I have difficulty meditating when I'm tired later in the day.)

6:00pm - Supper: chicken breast strips with mixed vegetables

6:20pm - Check GWV forum & post, or respond to posts. Evaluate my practice to make sure I'm practicing the Eightfold Path correctly. Relax and do light reading on the web, watch YouTube videos germane to the practice.

10:00pm - Bedtime

Other:

For exercise, every hour throughout the day, I walk 10 laps at a brisk pace around the main floor of my house. I do around 2 kilometres (1.2 miles) each day. Often I will do Tai Chi style, Jhana, walking meditation. At all times I try to think only when I have to, maintaining present moment  awareness in everything I do.

Throughout the day, I investigate the various phenomena of my own personal experience.

[Jhanananda]

That sounds like an excellent regimen, Michel.  If the whole world did that, then there would be no wars, no crime.  I might suggest that you see what happens when you avoid caffeine, which is in black tea.  If you want to experiment, then it may take at least a month to withdraw from caffeine.

The reason why I suggest that you try withdrawing from caffeine, is I found it to be a cerebral stimulant, which means it can make it difficult to still the mind.  You will find; however, that once you have mastered the stilling of the mind, then you can enjoy your favorite caffeine drink once again, but in moderation.

[Michel]

I might suggest that you see what happens when you avoid caffeine, which is in black tea.  If you want to experiment, then it may take at least a month to withdraw from caffeine.

The reason why I suggest that you try withdrawing from caffeine, is I found it to be a cerebral stimulant, which means it can make it difficult to still the mind.  You will find; however, that once you have mastered the stilling of the mind, then you can enjoy your favorite caffeine drink once again, but in moderation.

I'm going cold turkey. So, I threw out all my tea, and I now drink water instead. Thank-you for pointing this out.

I find meditating before going to bed difficult because I'm tired and restless, and I can't seem to establish mindfulness. Is this a common problem?

[Jhanananda]

I'm going cold turkey. So, I threw out all my tea, and I now drink water instead. Thank-you for pointing this out.

You may find that you have an occasional headache, when kicking the caffeine habit, this is why aspirin commonly has caffeine added to it, because almost everyone is strung out on the drug so badly that if they miss one of their regular caffeine doses, then they can develop a headache.  This means most headaches that most people experience are due to caffeine withdrawal.

I find meditating before going to bed difficult because I'm tired and restless, and I can't seem to establish mindfulness. Is this a common problem?

Yes, it is common for a non-contemplative to find it difficult to meditate before bed.  However, meditating before sleep is one of the best ways to cultivate access to the immaterial domains, through lucid dreaming and the OOBE. 

So, you can easily develop your skill of meditating before sleep by simply going through the practice mechanically.  What I mean by this, is say you have a formal meditation place, then go there, and set yourself up to meditation just before bed.  Meditate there for as long as you feel it works for you, that could be as little as five minutes. 

Going through the effort to meditate before bed on a daily basis will develop in you the skill to practice meditation late into the night, which is more useful than sleep, and can result in profound religious experiences.  It is like doing scales when one is learning a musical instrument. We just have to show up regularly to be there when the religious experiences happen, and have facility with our "instrument" to know how to "play" it when the "music" starts.

[Michel]

Thanks for your advice on withdrawing from tea. I should be alright. I wasn't much of a tea drinker anyways.

Jhananda:

Yes, it is common for a non-contemplative to find it difficult to meditate before bed.  However, meditating before sleep is one of the best ways to cultivate access to the immaterial domains, through lucid dreaming and the OOBE. 

I'll make it part of my practice to meditate before bedtime.

Should one meditate, while lying in bed, waiting to fall asleep?

[Jhanananda]

Should one meditate, while lying in bed, waiting to fall asleep?

For those who are intent upon leading a disciplined, rigorous, self-aware contemplative life, and wish to cultivate all 8 stages of the religious experience (samadhi), then after a prolonged meditation sit prior to bed, then one will lie in bed meditating until sleep occurs.  This is how I have practiced for more than 40 years, and it worked for me, so I see no reason why it would not work for others.

[Michel]

Jhananda:

So, please friends, do report and discuss your religious experience.  If nothing else, I find it comforting to read reports of the religious experience.  It helps me to feel comforted that others are doing what is necessary to pursue the only thing of real value in life.

I have nothing new to report about my meditation experiences. Haven't been able to still my mind. It's a hard slog for me. Goods days, bad days. I maybe one of those who take years to get anywhere. But overall I think I'm learning, my spirits are still up - and I haven't given up. I'm studying various subjects, and practicing the N8P.

[Sam Lim]

I have nothing new to report about my meditation experiences. Haven't been able to still my mind. It's a hard slog for me. Goods days, bad days. I maybe one of those who take years to get anywhere. But overall I think I'm learning, my spirits are still up - and I haven't given up.

I have a method when I was just starting out meditation. In order to still my mind, not only do I do meditation but I use whatever free time by reciting a mantra internally all day to focus and keep out all unwanted thoughts. It works for me and I think it would work for anyone. It is good that you are not giving up and I am glad that you have such determination. Keep it up.