Jeong Jin Seo’s Meditation Experience at Dhamma Arama
Two weeks ago, I experienced the first Jhana, a significant milestone in my meditation journey. Then, construction began in front of my house that week. My father was diagnosed with cancer in addition to my mother, who is already battling cancer, and the heavy workload was a lot to deal with. I worried my meditation practice might suffer as a result. Thankfully, I had a place to go, a place I could count on, Dhamma Arama in Jeju.
The weekly meditation practice interview with Nancy via Zoom was helpful and strengthened me. Her guidance and the support of my seniors were instrumental in my meditation journey. I felt strong at the thought of meeting Nancy in person and practicing with my seniors.
When I arrived at Dhamma Arama, I was surprised by the endless consideration and support. The community’s dedication to each practitioner’s well-being was evident in every aspect of my stay. From the peaceful surroundings to the thoughtful guidance, there were so many things I was surprised at and grateful for... I couldn’t count them all on one hand.
I arrived on Thursday night, and the next day, I faintly experienced the first, second, third, and fourth Jhanas. Since I am new to Jhana practice and do not know much about it, I describe my Jhana experience as faint.
Saturday came, and I practiced in the morning and had the same experience as yesterday. The joy rose. Happiness embraced my entire body like a soft, warm blanket. I thought my body was relaxed already, but my shoulders, neck, and back relaxed further. Then, I felt as if my brain was being sucked or drained somewhere, and I immediately became completely calm.
Afterward, during the afternoon interview with Nancy, I asked her about this new experience. She said complete relaxation would be tranquility, and the calm state would be equanimity.
After listening to Nancy’s explanation, I thought, “Oh, this feeling is called tranquility.” It was my first time feeling this, so I didn’t know what word to use, but after listening to the explanation, I understood right away. The same was true for equanimity.
When I started the afternoon practice, I gradually entered the first, second, third, and fourth Jhana and stayed in the fourth Jhana for about 10 minutes. Then, for practice, I started from the first Jhana again and entered the fourth Jhana. Since it was my first time going from the first Jhana to the fourth Jhana, experiencing tranquility and equanimity, my body felt a little awkward, so I got up and did some stretching. Then, when I sat down, I entered the fourth Jhana within seconds. I remembered Nancy’s words that I should do it sequentially from the first Jhana, so I went back to the first Jhana and watched my breathing until I reached the fourth Jhana and easily maintained the equanimity longer.
When I finished practicing and opened my eyes, the teacher, Nancy, was in front of me.
It was amazing and touching... and I felt so grateful.
I hurriedly went to the teacher to share my experience and express my gratitude.
It was truly awe-inspiring to realize that I, who knew so little, could enter the first, second, third, and fourth Jhana, which seemed like legends in Buddha’s teachings. It was a moment of wonder and amazement, and the teacher’s guidance deeply moved me.
It was so amazing!
Because I didn’t know much, I was a little embarrassed to share my experience in writing. But since it was a clear and straightforward experience, and I wanted to express my gratitude to the teacher by sharing it here, I’m writing this.
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to you, teacher. Your guidance has been invaluable to me. And I would also like to express my appreciation for the seniors.
Teacher, I am committed to practicing step by step, not excessively but happily. Thank you for your guidance and support.