> It it reminds me of my literature lecturers. They have a real
> knack for thinking way, way beyond the apparent. It also
> makes me wonder if these monks are experienced meditators,
> or just the typical city scholar monks, just as those we can find now.

Yeah, like Sariputta, Aananda, Mahaa Kaccaana... hey, even in the Buddha's
time there were scholar monks...

Please do see the Material Septad (Ch. 20) of the Visuddhimagga (or any part
of the book, for that matter) for many good ways to practice meditation.
Again, Edward Conze is ready to take that book to a deserted island... maybe
he'll open a bookstore?

Sumangalaani,

Yuttadhammo