Delson Armstrong - Part I - Marvels of Mind & “High Altitude” States of Meditative Absorption(Jhana)
Вставка
- Опубліковано 17 лип 2022
- Join author and meditation adept Delson Armstrong in an extra-ordinary tour of the marvels of the mind, and “high altitude” states of meditative absorption (jhana). The conversation begins with Delson’s background in Hindu based practices, his journeys into the Himalayas, and his candid experiences with the jhanas, especially the summit of nirodhasamapatti, or “equipoise of cessation,” a form of suspended animation that can last for seven days. Delson then offers stories of his unusual memory, and his ability to recall past lives, before sharing his experience of tacit awareness throughout the night, or a form of constant consciousness that results in lucidity 24/7. One consequence of this attainment is the cessation (nirodha) of all dreams, and the actualization of luminosity, or sleep yoga. What is the role of “determination” in these attainments, or the internal alarm clock that dictates duration of absorption? Are these qualities attained or dis-covered? Do they inspire or intimidate? Or are they, as Delson asserts, “No big deal.” How can this meditative proficiency prepare one for death? And what is the difference between voluntary and involuntary rebirth? The conversation turns to the role of science, and Delson’s participation in eye-popping studies that could shift paradigms about the nature and capacity of the mind. The explanatory power of “dependent origination,” or the causal nexus that generates samsara, is explored, and how a refined mind can detect all twelve links in this chain, and break it by replacing reactivity with response-ability. Is there any risk involved in sharing so much of one’s experience, and why do so? Andrew invites Delson to point out any blind spots that tantrikas (those who practice Vajrayana Buddhism) may fall into, and to share why he practices Theravada instead of Tantra. See why this gentle scholar-practitioner is causing a stir, and bringing real benefit to the world.
Speaking of 'Kung Fu', a while back I was having one of my nostalgia binges of theme tunes for old TV shows that I used to watch as a kid back in the late 70's and early 80's . I was 'shocked' to hear the discussions between Grasshopper and Master in a short clip I found on UA-cam ( vid title is 'The Beginning of Wistdom'), where Master quotes from the Tao Te Ching etc, such as, " be the space at the center, be nothing, and you will have everything to give to others..." and " having and not having arise together ", "difficult and easy complement each other"..... etc etc... I almost fell off my chair the first time I really listened last year, after decades of not seeing the show.
Please ask Delson intricacies of “nocturnal meditation” -e.g. specifics how he practiced before he achieved around the clock lucidity, and how he developed the nocturnal capacities over a life time. Delson clearly has meditative capacities that even many advanced meditators cannot often honestly say have achieved. Finished reading Delson’s book and watched/listened to dozens of Delson’s talks, it’s awe-inspiring that a person so chronologically young can be so profoundly wise and clear and meditatively accomplished. Please have Delson continuously come back or have any of your co-friends interview Delson about the deep ends of the practice. It will be a contribution to collective humanity.
" REALX " - JUST ONE WORD ! Thank your for your back-up of my so-far thoughts !
An incredible conversation!
"Absorption" and misnomer. It is result of deep concentration. Delson practices TWIM:Tranquil Wisdom Insight Meditation practiced by Delson. Jhana is more quickly achieved by applied "collectedness" rather than "concentration" Delson explains how TWIM combines and balances awareness and tranquility in equal proportions by application of of the awakening factors using the SixRs methodology. This is a practice technique that activates "Right Effort", the fifth component of the Noble Eight Fold Path. Therefore TWIM can be understood in Pali as samatha sambodhi vipassanā jhāna. Jhana in this context is understood as meditation and a definitive states of mental acuity. .
For sure, the TWIM practice is an excellent meditation practice. I have been practicing it for a few years now and it is far better than the absorption practices.
Just found this Chanel love it wow amazing thank you Andrew ! I also highly recommend you interview Lama Lena she is dzogen master
Amazing conversation, perfect to accompany my hours painting at the easel, J spring my work in progress called "Points of Origin". I will listen a second time!!! Thank you both Andrew and Delson.
I'm a TWIM practitioner and the jhanas we are describing are not the absorptions, as the title of this video says. That seems to be a common misunderstanding. There's two kinds of jhanas: the absorptions which are probably more well known these days, and "open-awareness" jhana which is much less known and what is taught at Dhamma-Sukha.
Thank you for making this interview, it was very enjoyable. I would have loved to hear more about the subject of rebirth for an enlightened being out of compassion for others, because I don't think this subject was clarified. I don't remember Delson actually agreeing that one who is awakened (at least the state of a buddha or arahant) could even return, because there is nothing to cling to anymore. Even compassion is an illusion, like any other feeling or intention. Once you don't cling, then that's kind of it, no?
One interesting question on my mind would be: if one experiences "stream entry" it is said that one has aprox. seven rebirths at the most until full awakening. Would that be the same for a bodhisattva (given the first comment)?
Thanks again!
Delson AND THE BUDDHA have stayed many many times that this is IMPOSSIBLE.... anyone teaching otherwise amd i do mean the whole ofnThe Mahyana religion here, clearly haven't exprrienced Nibanna or they wouldn't be teaching that. The whole experience of Nibanna, even for a stream enterer who has attained it once or twice knows this.. The idea itself is appostorous and makes zero sense according to The Dhamma that Lord Buddha actually taught! Please losten more to delsonz it will do your path much good :)
Thanks
actually a follow-up thought came up recently about this whole "rebirth for the sake of others" thing and it's: the Buddha was inclined not to teach until Brahma made him changed his mind, so why couldn't an enlightened being take rebirth if requested to do so? Maybe it's different when there's no body anymore...
Anyway, don't know if your read these, but just thought I'd put it out there...
This guy is the real deal, he even looks like the Buddha 😮