Jhana and the Benefits of Samadhi

[@NirvanicSunshine]

Man, this was genuinely useful. A teacher who knows and sees and teaches with an open fist, holding nothing back.

[@golgipogo]

This chap is the real deal. I watch and read (too much), so I feel qualified to state that his way of presenting samadhi and Jhana is first rate, authentic. Does he still teach at Spirit Rock-concentration retreat. For example?

[@MettaDharma]

Richard still teaches retreats, though he is not as active at Spirit Rock or IMS as he used to be. If you want to find out about his retreats you can get on his mailing list by sending an email to [e-mail]

[@Zorba.]

I just watched this earlier kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y32qfYaLe92Jhc0 video 2 in a retreat from 2013 on a similar topic and posted a call for help after watching 10 min and reading a comment about death. Then this came up in my phone and was like the answer to needing some understanding of what's been happening. Thank you so so much Richard for this video. This was my post from earlier today. @MettaDharma Wow. My mind just stopped in its tracks half way through reading your response about death. Not a ripple. I'm new to Buddhism. Prompted research after noticing my mind would suddenly stops when looking at an object, even trees moving. There is a sense of absorption like I've never had before. A new word I learnt, and deep silence running through all forms and a sense of deep intimacy. Like I'm not separate from what is being seen. And feels like no-one is looking. Just seeing looking effortlessly happening a lot lately. Like when the tv is on mute for ads lately the mind stops and there's absorption with eyes open. This is new. Last 3 months hence looking for an explanation which lead to Buddhism. Everything comes and goes and there's a sense of an invisible sameness running through everything. And there's a serenity and quiet beyond words. As if everything is bathed in this deep Stillness and the subtlest sense of sweetness, a whiff, a scent of a smile as looking happens. Before this began I had a major melt down last year where I felt like my personal will dried up. My capacity to move forward with my career evaporated overnight. And then Wailing into the living room" I'm nothing, I don't know anything." My mind turned to mush for 6 months or more. It felt like I was dying inside and at the some time I felt a closeness to some felt sense of Loving Presence "God" dunno, and it's as if the thinner and weaker thus sense of me became, the bigger and more wider I became inside. More spacious and quiet. After months of this something changed and I was on the floor sobbing in gratitude at the mention of anything or anyone holy. God, Buddha, Christ.. it was so uncontrollable. So much gratitude and I have no idea to who or what but something felt this deep reverance and gratitude to "God" . I had images of lying prostrate Infront of an Immense Space. Like a mammoth Buddha statue without the statue. Just the space where it would have been. . Then the spontaneous absorption started and wanting to be close to people who are deeply immersed in a spiritual path. I was in a weird hermit stage for a year when this was happening. Not wanting to be around anyone. Only went out for a coffee occasionally hiding in corners alone. Now looking for someone who knows what this is. . I can't return to the old me. It's impossible. My mushy brain is clear and yet I am acutely aware that I don't really know anything except my direct experience in the moment. It's been like this for months The mind seems to have lost its arrogance of thinking it knows stuff, and yet a functional thinking is happening when needed .it feels like a different mind is running now. More empty yet clear. Thoughts gurgle along sometimes but there just not engaged with. A new voice emerged in my head recently that says "not my thought not my feeling" when they arise and stick around for a few seconds. Then they dissolve. It's so effortless. Something has taken over the old me it seems, Life is different, calm, uncomplicated. There's just what's here. Right here. . And the moment takes care of everything. Remarkable shift in operating in the world. And there is such a serenity running through all forms. I am still moved to tears by world events, there's feeling and sensation in the moment and then like a wave it subsides in minutes. Then noticing of the next arising. Any help would be deeply received with heartfelt gratitude. Maryam 🙏

[@MettaDharma]

Hi Maryam. I read your post about all you've been going through. You ended by saying any help would be appreciated. I'm happy to offer any help I can, but it is not clear to me what kind of help you are seeking. I see that you went through a long period that was challenging and confusing. But in the ending part your message you describe what sounds to me like being in a clear, balanced place. If you can clarify what you are looking for then I can respond.; Depending on what's going on you may not wish to discuss it in this public comments section on youtube, in which case we could talk privately. wishing you all the best, Richard

[@MettaDharma]

Hi Maryam. You can send an email for Richard to: [e-mail]

[@Zorba.]

@@MettaDharma Thank you.