Hello Ben, and thank-you ever so much for your kind suggestions for
monasticism. I will hopefully make it by Wat Metta in the next month or so.

As for jhana, it is rather easy, and it shouldn't take long, as long as you
practice correctly and diligently. Basically the be observe the breath
(Anapanasati) and practice at least once if not 2 or 3 times a day. The more and
longer you practice the more you are assured of attainment. Jhana yogis
typically sit rather long sits of at least an hour to 2 hours at each session. And,
remember to practice "sensitive to joy (sukha) and bliss (piiti)."

Of course this is Buddhism so all of the other stuff, like the 4 and the 8
are a given. I am sure if you practice in this way for a few months you will
begin to experience jhana-nimitta (charismatic phenomena). When you do, just
make that you new object of meditation. I have posted several articles on this
and other Buddhist lists, I am sure if you check the archive since the first of
the year that should give you more than enough to achieve the attainment you
seek.

Kindest regards,

Jeff Brooks

In a message dated 3/6/04 1:43:42 AM, Pali@yahoogroups.com writes:

<< Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2004 16:51:43 -0500
From: "Benjamin Jerome" <bj3682@...>
Subject: Re: Seeking Monastic Ordination in the Sangha

To Jeff,

Two monasteries in the Theravada tradition where one can ordain in the US are:

1) The Bhavana Society in West Virginia, the abbot being Bhante Gunaratana.
http://www.bhavanasociety.org

I know an man, 60 years, and an woman, 55 years, who have recently become
novice monastics here.

2) Wat Metta in California, the abbot being Ajahn Geoff, or Thanissaro
Bhikkhu. This is the Thai Forest Tradition.
http://www.mettaforest.org


I am happy that the Dhamma has brought you so much benefit. It is
encouraging to me because I am only a beginner, but I hope to stick with it so that it
bears fruit.

By the way, how long does it take to attain to jhana? Or perhaps a better
question would be, I can I go about attaining jhana in the quickest way
possible? I fear that if I cannot find that blameless pleasure then it is more likely
that I will be tempted to indulge in blameable pleasures.

With Metta,
Ben >>