Jhana.app
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Our guided meditations are generated using AI to ensure they're tailored to exactly what you need, based on your progress, techniques, issues and capabilities. Plus, you can ask for feedback at any time and receive it instantly.
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FAQ
What are Jhānas?
The Jhānas are eight altered states of consciousness that can be achieved through concentration. Each state yields a deeper level of concentration than the previous one. The Jhānas are an important aspect of meditation practice, and many people find them to be a rewarding and beneficial experience. However, it's worth noting that achieving Jhānas can take time and effort, and the required time and resources may vary from person to person. If you're interested in pursuing Jhānas, there are various resources available, such as books and online courses, that can help you along the way. Additionally, an app can be a great tool to help you make meditation a habit and stay motivated on your journey to Jhānas. It's important to keep in mind that Jhānas, like any deep meditation practice, may have some possible side effects or contraindications. It's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before starting a new meditation practice, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions. On the other hand, there are many benefits to practicing Jhāna meditation, such as deepening concentration and focus, cultivating feelings of joy, peace, and happiness, and potentially reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Find the approach that works best for you, as different practices can yield better results depending on the person. Achievements and badges can also be a great way to stay motivated and share progress with fellow meditators.
Eight altered states of consciousness! How are they different?
There are four states of absorption, known as the first jhāna, second jhāna, third jhāna, and fourth jhāna, that are characterized by progressively refined qualities of joy, pleasure, equanimity, peace, stability, mental agility, and balance of mind. As one progresses through the first four jhānas, attention, joy, and pleasure/happiness are abandoned in favor of equanimity. The four formless variants of the fourth jhāna share the same mental factors: equanimity and unification of mind. They are called "formless" because they are entirely disconnected from any subjective connection to the material space and body sensations. These are formless and immaterial states based on the perception of infinite space, the perception of infinite consciousness, the perception of nothingness/emptiness, and an ultra-subtle perception called the base of neither-perception-nor-non-perception. - 1st Jhana: Enjoying the focused awareness of body buzz that brings about a sense of bliss. Some people compare this state to an orgasm. - 2nd Jhana: Experience the radiant warmth of joy and happiness as you finally receive the gift you've been yearning for all year, just like when you were a child. - 3rd Jhana: Relaxing and feeling content. You are spending time with your family or closest friends. You might feel like you are under the influence of cannabis, but your mind is still alert and focused. - 4th Jhana: Achieving imperturbable equanimity where nothing bothers you anymore. - 5th Jhana: You may experience a loss of awareness of your body boundaries, and feel as though your awareness is expanding into boundless space. This can give the impression of being in a space, which may sometimes be visible to you. - 6th Jhana: Experiencing pure recursive awareness feels as if your consciousness encompasses everything around you. - 7th Jhana: Enjoying a deep rest in nothingness. - 8th Jhana: Experiencing the dissolution of concepts or objects.
Is Jhāna easy to attain for the average person?
It's definitely an attainable goal for the average person! As for the required time and resources, it really depends on the individual. Some people may achieve it quickly, while others may take more time. There are various resources available, such as books and online courses, that can help you along the way. We believe that our app can help you develop and maintain good habits on your path to jhanas while also making it enjoyable.
Is Jhāna addictive?
Although Jhana states are very pleasurable, they are not addictive and do not cause withdrawal symptoms. Initially, you may want to experience them every day, but eventually you will view them as a tool for improving your life. Think of Jhana states as pure water for someone who has spent their entire life in a desert. At first, they will drink it all the time for the first few weeks, but then it becomes just water that we drink only when we feel thirsty.
Do I have to be a believer of Buddha to give your app a shot?
You don't have to believe in Buddha to use this app. The creators of the app are atheists who believe in science and progress. Besides, it's worth noting that jhanas weren't actually invented by Buddha; they were known long before his time.
Are there any side effects and contraindications when using jhana states?
Yes. As any deep meditation practice, concentration level required to access jhana, might expose some internal mental health issues. Some possible side effects of jhana states include feelings of disorientation or dizziness. Additionally, certain medical conditions or medications may make it unsafe to practice jhana meditation. That being said, please keep in mind that these side effects are not very common and most people who do practice jhana states do not experience any negative effects. However, it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before starting a new meditation practice, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions.
What are some of the benefits of practicing jhana meditation?
There are many benefits to practicing jhana meditation. Some people find that it helps them to deepen their concentration and focus, while others find that it helps them to cultivate feelings of joy, peace, and happiness. Additionally, some studies have suggested that regular meditation practice may have a positive impact on mental health, including reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Of course, everyone's experience is different, and the benefits of jhana meditation may vary from person to person. But overall, many people find that it's a rewarding and beneficial practice.
How is your app connected to the TMI, TWIM, and Right Concentration?
Our app is designed to help users develop and maintain good habits on their path to achieving Jhānas. While it is not directly connected to any of these three methodologies, it draws inspiration from them and incorporates some of their principles and techniques along with many others teachings (by Rob Burbea, Michael Taft, Shaila Catherine etc). For example, the TMI (The Mind Illuminated) methodology focuses on developing stable attention and cultivating mindfulness, which are both essential for achieving Jhānas. Our app includes guided meditations and exercises that help users develop these skills and can be mapped to the first 7 stages of TMI. If your goal is to achieve samatha, TMI would be the best resource. Similarly, the TWIM (Tranquil Wisdom Insight Meditation) methodology emphasizes cultivating feelings of loving-kindness and compassion, which can also be beneficial for achieving Jhānas. Our app includes meditations that focus on these qualities and encourage users to develop a more positive and compassionate mindset. That significantly improves development of Piti and loving-kindness meditation opens one of the fastest way to access jhana. "Right Concentration" by Leigh Brasington is one of the best resources for developing and transitioning between different Jhanas. Overall, while our simulator is not directly connected to any of these three methodologies, it draws inspiration from them and incorporates some of their key principles in order to help users achieve Jhānas.
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