Guided Meditation: De-stress with the breath

In some of the classic Buddhists scriptures, such as the Digha Nikaya, the Buddha describes a way of meditating that takes a person into deep states of tranquil absorption and beyond.
(Beyond what? We’ll get to that . . .) 😉
Those deep states of tranquil absorption are traditionally known as jhanas.
In order to enter the first Jhana you need to set up a feedback loop. For example, if you focus on the restful or relaxing sensations associated with breathing they tend to intensify and spread.
If you open up to those feelings and sensations as they intensify and spread they will grow stronger and more prominent. This makes it easier to go deeper by pouring even more of your attention into the growing symphony of sensations that arise as breathing and attention become merged.
By doing this you set up a feedback loop that takes you deeper and deeper into absorption through the breath sensations. This can be enjoyable, peaceful, exhilarating, ecstatic and even euphoric. However, getting into the jhanas can take some time to master. That’s why I’ve made a short 20 minute guided meditation so you can get a taste of how to get started with building your mindfulness skills.
Oh yeah, I almost forgot. The Buddha said you can go beyond the jhanas but what is beyond?
Nirvana!
According to the Buddha, the Jhanas are a bridge that takes a person through deep tranquility and into Nirvana.
Is that true? There’s only one way to find out.
00:00 Intro and Meditation Explanation
00:28 Guided Meditation
21:35 Coming Out the Guided Meditation