Dear Friends,
Samaadhi is more akin to tatramajjhattataa than to a whatever so-called «
concentration » which is a misleading term and a wrong translation in my
opinion. Samaadhi is concerned with synthesis (which is not concentration),
harmony, resolution of the opposites (of thinking and not thinking, for
example). I believe therefore that samaadhi is not to be equated with the
jhanas, which are qualities which arise through meditation or do not arise
(depending on the accumulations of each meditator) ­ we can therefore doubt
whether they can be « cultivated » in some way ­ and moreover they are not
especially a basic characteristic of the Buddha¹s Path (they are common
grounds to a few other non buddhistic traditions). Being of a mundane level
the jhanas are not a prerequisite for enlightenment. We are too often
inclined to thinking in terms of levels to achieve or degrees to pass (in
some way), but practice has nothing to do with this obsession and is far
more simple than most « buddhists » conceive. I just advice any fellow
meditator to approach the Theravadan forest tradition in that field.

Mettaacittena.


Michel Henri DUFOUR
VIVEKÂRÂMA (Association Bouddhique Theravâda)
22 rue de la Grange Aubel
71000 Sancé
(http://perso.club-internet.fr/mhd-abt/vivekarama)




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