[Damithu]

Last night while meditating I believe I came somewhat close to achieving the first jhana or “opening the door” to it.

I was about to go to sleep in my room, and I determined that I would complete a short meditation session first. I sat down in a comfortable position, set a two minute timer, closed my eyes, and starting being mindful of the object of meditation, namely, my breath. I then shifted from breathing audibly to breathing subtly, and after I did this, I became aware of a warm feeling/sensation in my palms. I shifted my mindfulness competetly from my breath to the sensation of the warmth of my palms. As soon as I did this, something happened; a sensation arose in me that I can’t even explain. The closest description I can convey is a wave of a new sensation inside me. I became aware of this and went into a state of extreme surprise. I tried to stay mindful but the shock of this new sensation overtook me and I opened my eyes. I reflected on what just happened, and after I felt a sense of extreme joy or elation. I ran around my room, and I even wept with joy; I gained newfound happiness and confidence in the Buddha and the Buddha Dhamma.

Is this close to achieving the first jhana? Please let me know; thank you very much. 

Namo Buddhaya

 

[Damithu]

Also I would like to add that my sense desires were significantly reduced or even temporarily eliminated during this time. However, subtle craving for the state which I entered arose in me so I comprehended that this sensation is of anicca nature, and that I cannot have arise whenever I want it to; effort to do so will only lead to suffering. I know that I must let go of the craving to achieve this state in order to actually achieve it.

[Lal]

1. Yes. What you experienced is probably an ‘anariya jhāna‘ or very close to it. Ariya is ‘Noble’ or ‘Buddhist’, and ‘anariya‘ is mundane.

• However, it is an excellent start. It is also a good accomplishment. 
• It is possible that you may have cultivated jhāna in your previous lives. That could also be why you are attracted to Buddha Dhamma at an early stage in life. 

2. What happened is the following. When you focus your mind on the breath (or any neutral inert object like a ball of clay), you are taking the mind away from the ‘kāma saññā.’

• Attaining even an anariya jhāna requires fulfilling two conditions: (i) living a moral life, and (ii) blocking the mind from engaging with a kāma saññā for an extended time. 
• That temporarily moves the mind from the ‘kāma loka‘ to ‘rupa loka,‘ i.e., the mind jumps from ‘kāma saññā‘ to ‘jhānic saññā‘ associated with the ‘rupa loka.’ See “World Operates on Mind-Made Perception (Saññā).” Attaining a jhāna means one’s mind is essentially that of a Brahma for the duration of that jhānic experience.
• However, the ability to get into such ‘anariya jhāna‘ can be lost if one reverts to in immoral or even ‘sensual’ lifestyle. Devadatta attained higher jhānās, but never attained a magga phala. Later in life, he tried to take the life of the Buddha, and not only lost jhānic capabilities, but also was reborn in an apāya.

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Damithu

[Damithu]

I see, thank you very much!

[Author]

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