By Bhikkhu Seoncheol
I never imagined that the day would come when I would share a reflection on this practice.
In the past, practice felt almost like an ordeal. When I sat down to practice jhāna, there was hardly a place in my body, from my joints to my muscles, that did not hurt. Then one day, the pain that had weighed down my whole body began to disappear as if it had never been there. I thought that once the physical pain disappeared, I would immediately enter deep jhāna and attain awakening.
But even after the physical pain was gone, another challenge awaited me. After I had been practicing jhāna for a while, feelings of unexplained boredom or unbearable impatience would arise. Unable to withstand those waves, I would eventually get up from my seat.
Recently, however, jhāna practice has begun to feel like a peaceful place of rest. Today, I was at the library, feeling very sleepy, tired, and exhausted. Without consciously trying, I noticed my attention gathering on the breath touching the area above my upper lip, and I naturally settled into jhāna practice while seated. To my surprise, I experienced the fatigue throughout my body disappearing in an instant.
This remarkable experience, for which I am grateful, is what prompted me to share these words today. If any of my fellow practitioners find practice difficult or overwhelming, I hope you will not lose heart and will continue steadily. I believe that a day will come when your body and mind feel at ease.
I encourage you to keep practicing steadily. 🙏