Question 94: WHAT IS THE ENTRY INTO RIGHT ECSTASY?

Question 94: WHAT IS THE ENTRY INTO RIGHT ECSTASY?Answer: There are four levels of Right Ecstasy: First Jhana, Second Jhana, Third Jhana, and Fourth Jhana.After a long period of cultivating Right Mindfulness, and with sufficient merit, a practitioner can enter the first level of Right Ecstacy, known as First Jhana. 'Sơ' (Sơ thiền) doesn't mean 'superficial' in this context; this Sino-Vietnamese word simply means 'first' or 'initial.' At this stage, practitioners will realize that during the previous stage of mindfulness, they were still making a conscious effort to maintain their focus, even though the mind seemed relatively calm. However, in First Jhana, there's no longer any effort involved. The mind becomes completely still and effortless, without any intentional actions. Yet, subtle thoughts or vague ideas related to the practice may still arise slightly and harmlessly.A characteristic of First Jhana is the absence of unwholesome states of mind and sensual desires (release of sensual desires, release of unwholesome states). Upon death, practitioners who attain the First Jhana are reborn in the Form Realm (corresponding to the state of release from sensual desires). Nevertheless, practitioners must continue to intentionally contemplate ‘the deep-seated ignorance and defilements within’ to prevent unnecessary pride.Second, Third, and Fourth Jhanas are even higher states that we admire and aspire to attain through our practice.#Buddha, #Buddhism, #Buddhist, #Truedharma, #Meditation, #Enlightenment, #Buddhatemple, #TheLawofKarma, #Blessing, #Goodblessing, #Janna, #JannaMonastery, #JannaOrderMonastery, #LawOfKarma, #CauseAndEffect, #UniversalTruth, #KarmicRetribution, #AxiomaticTruth, #PhilosophyOfMind,