• Retreats

    Learning the Jhanas, Pt. 2: Recalibrating Pleasure

    September 27, 2024

    Each morning, we were introduced to a new insight practice to experiment with. The practice that surprised me the most was noticing vedanā – the pleasant, unpleasant, and neutral feeling tones that come with every experience.  We all on some level have noticed that feelings, no matter their “tone”, are impermanent. You don’t need to be a Buddhist to know that. We all have had mornings that started with lethargy…

  • Retreats - Teachings and Teachers

    Learning the Jhanas, Pt. 1: Supportive Conditions

    September 3, 2024

    “The most important thing in learning the jhanas,” began Dharma teacher Leigh Brasington, looking out to a roomful of eager meditators draped in a rainbow of shawls and jackets, “is to not have any expectations.”  Well, I certainly checked that box. When I signed up for this retreat, titled “Jhanas and Insights”, taught by Leigh Brasington and Rachael O’Brien, I only had a vague intention to improve my concentration. My…