Hi John

Would you mind summarizing the essay into a paragraph or so, since
it's clear to you, but I can't understand so clearly the exact path to
Nirvana as Thanissaro Bhikkhu is trying to explain it. Because I
looked at it, and a nice essay it is indeed, and it seems he is trying
to say you need both, which I totally agree but probably in a
different way.

Thanks,
June

--- In Pali@yahoogroups.com, "John Kelly" <palistudent@...> wrote:
> Dear friends,
>
> Thanissaro Bhikkhu has written an excellent and, for me, clarifying,
> essay on this very topic:
> http://accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/thanissaro/onetool.html
>
> With metta,
> John
> --- In Pali@yahoogroups.com, "junet9876" <junet9876@...> wrote:
> > Hi,
> >
> > I think you do need the jhanas as they are samma-samadhi (right
> > concentration) and a factor of the Noble Eightfold Path, but perhaps
> > they don't need to be specifically developed for the realization of
> > Nirvana...in the dry insight method, I suppose the time when the
> > meditator attains the path and fruit, the supramundane consciousnesses
> > (lokuttara cittas) that arise then constitute the first jhana. (I hope
> > I said that correctly, check out the Abhidhamma:
> > http://zencomp.com/greatwisdom/ebud/abhisgho/abhis01.htm)
> >
> > There are two methods of meditation that I know of:
> > 1) developing both samatha (calm) and vipassana (insight) meditation
> > 2) developing vipassana meditation alone ("dry insight").
> >
> > Obviously some calm is needed to progress in the dry insight method as
> > well, but what is referred to as "samatha meditation" in the first
> > method is meditation that is specifically developed to attain the
> > jhanas, leading to the attainment of supernatural powers (abhinnas).
> > So samatha meditation, or developing the jhanas, isn't needed in the
> > second method. Vipassana meditation is essential for the realization
> > of Nirvana, however, regardless of which path you follow.
> > (http://www.lawofkarma.net/lptong/diff.html)
> >
> > Vipassana meditation based on the four foundations of mindfulness is
> > supposed to be the quickest route to Nirvana
> > (http://www.lawofkarma.net/lptong/vipassana/howto.html). I have no
> > idea why the Buddha didn't emphasize it more in the Tipitaka...and I
> > have nothing against the jhanas either. I personally practice the dry
> > insight method, but I want the jhanas as well sometimes in the future.
> >
> > There are currently two great meditation masters in Thailand who teach
> > the dry insight way:
> > 1. Ven. Ajahn Tong (http://www.lawofkarma.net/lptong/index.html)
> > 2. Luang Paw Jarun (http://www.lawofkarma.net/lpjarun/index.html)
> > I would suggest visiting them if you are interested in the ending of
> > suffering.
> >
> > If you are interested in the jhanas, Ajahn Brahm in Australia is a
> > great teacher (http://www.bswa.org)
> >
> > I totally understand the debate. I think it more depends on your karma
> > which path you follow...and perhaps the aspirations you made in your
> > previous life/lives?
> >
> > Cheers,
> > June