Dieter Moeller wrote thus at 03:24 AM 19-02-13:

>In general I consider the similes (bathman,lake,lotus pond ,man
>covered with cloth) giving important clues about the 4 Jhana
>states and suppose you may agree with me .
>
>As the first approach stated by G.S. is concerned :
>
>'i) attention training where one absorbs into > a single object and
>thereby stills all mental
> > factors
>
>D: is in line with the texts, although not these word are used , isn't it?

Not quite how I see it. If one is absorbed in a single object
(ekarammane), as mentioned in the Visuddhimagga, how would it go
along with the similes that are very tactile in nature?

As far as my studies go, the concept of jhana as being absorbed in a
single object is alien to the Suttas.

>"to the point where, as Ajahn > Brahmavamso explains, "Consciousness
>is so > focused on the one thing that the faculty of
> > comprehension is suspended . there is no comprehension of what is
> going on."
>
>
>D: perhaps 'no need' of comprehension of what is going on
>respectively 'no disturbance' ( by the senses media) would fit as well .
>.. compare pls e.g. with the Buddha' s statement that he used the
>Jhanas to withdraw from the pain due to old age (Maha Pari- Nibbana
>Sutta) or comments that even loud thunder would not disturb the disciples.

Did he use the word "jhana" for these, or was it "anenjasamadhi"?

>One-pointedness is a chracteristic of the Jhanas, isn't it?

I don't see it mentioned among the standard jhana formula. Besides,
when we analyse "ekaggata", we find that it cannot be translated as
"one-pointedness". You can read more on this in my postings here:
http://www.dhammawheel.com/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=10150&start=40#p229779

kb