UVA CSC: Leigh Brasington on Jhanas – Buddhist Meditative Absorptions in Modern Times
Join U.Va.’s Contemplative Sciences Center for a talk with Leigh Brasington entitled, Jhanas – Buddhist Meditative Absorptions in Modern Times The Buddha defined Right Concentration as the 4 Jhanas. So what are these jhanas and how are they used on the spiritual path? This talk will discuss these altered states of consciousness as described in the suttas of the Pali Canon, present basic instructions for entering them, discuss their role, and contrast the Sutta Jhanas with other jhanic schemes found in later Theravadan literature. What little is known of the neurological correlates will also be presented.
Leigh Brasington has been practicing meditation since 1985 and is the senior American student of the late Ven. Ayya Khema. Leigh began assisting Ven. Ayya Khemma in 1994, and began teaching retreats on his on in 1997. He teaches in Europe and North America and is the author of the forthcoming book Right Concentration: A Practical Guide to the Jhanas (available autumn 2015).
LOCATION: Monroe Hall, Room 118