To: K-list
Recieved: 2004/04/17 18:03
Subject: [K-list] Absorption States (Jhanas) Within A Theistic Context
From: Jeffrey Brooks
On 2004/04/17 18:03, Jeffrey Brooks posted thus to the K-list:
Absorption States (Jhanas) Within A Theistic Context
A description of the 8 absorptions (jhanas) Within A
Theistic and an A-theistic Context and using the
language of Christianity, the yogas, Advaita and
Buddhism
It seems adherent of all religions and cultures are
frequently seeking ways to prove their culture or
religion is superior to another's. But, I am certain
that when we examine any culture without bias we will
find evidence for equal insight and attainment.
It is not that insight and absorption are different
practice paths, but they are simply the natural
consequence of the successful execution of any
contemplative tradition, not just Buddhism. For
instance in Christianity their is a record of their
mystics experiencing various absorption states, which
are often referred to as 'ecstasies.' Theresa of
Avila and her student John of the Cross actually
articulated 7 levels of absorption, which as you may
notice just in numbers alone parallels the Buddha's
concept of the 8 jhanas.
In Christianity there is also a long tradition around
the concept of revelation, in which the gospels are
revealed and made alive to the mystic. In the way
revelation is articulated in the Gospels it seems
clear it is simply the Christian equivalent of
insight. Therefore this should serve as evidence to
prove that insight and absorption are just two of the
many manifestations of the religious experience.
Just because Buddhism rejects a discussion of a
personified Godhead, does not mean there are not many
parallels that can be drawn to mystics in the various
theistic religions. Since theists tend to describe
their God in terms of an infinite dimension, then I
believe it is reasonable to acknowledge that the
nonmaterial absorptions (arupa-jhanas) are
fundamentally the experience of the union (yoga) with
the infinite God (Jehovah/Brahma).
Each mystic tradition has its own names and ways of
describing these absorption states. In Christianity
it is often referred to as a marriage with the Holy
Spirit or Christ. In Kabballa it is called devukutt
with the Shakina. In Sufism it is called fana or
annihilation, and in Hinduism it is called union
(yoga) or absorption (samadhi).
In the Contemplative Christian and Charismatic
Christian movements there are generally various
concepts such as the Christian Bridal Mystic path
which looks at the various charismatic phenomena as a
kind of wedding with the Christ. The Charismatic
Christian movement speaks of a charismatic experience
that is described as "baptism in the Spirit." It is
these various charismatic experiences of the "baptism
in the Spirit" that are characteristic of the
absorption states (jhana) of Buddhism. And, it is the
intention of the Christian mystic to engage those
charismatic phenomena, as frequently as possible and
to submit to them at greater and deeper levels.
In Buddhism, the contemplatives who seek the
absorption states (jhanas) endeavor to do the same
thing as the contemplative and charismatic Christians
do, to engages those absorption states as frequently
as one can, and to take the deepest refuge within them
all of the way to cessation (nibbana).
I believe we can draw parallels between the various
absorption states across cultural boundaries. I am
certain if enlightenment is a valid pursuit, then it
must be something that transcends the cultural
context.
THE ABSORPTION STATES
If a theistic mystic experiences union (yoga) with a
God of infinite dimension, then that would be the same
as the 5th absorption (jhana) in Buddhism. If a
theistic mystic experiences union (yoga) with a God of
infinite time, then I believe it is reasonable to say
that mystic experienced the 6th absorption (jhana).
If a theistic mystic experiences union (yoga) with a
God of infinite being or consciousness, then that
would be the same as the 7th absorption (jhana).
When a mystic within the context of theism is so
united (yoga) with God that he or she cannot
distinguish between either this nor that, then that
would be the same as the 8th absorption (jhana). If a
theistic mystic experiences union (yoga) with a God in
which there is no sensible dimension (blackness), then
that would be the same as the 9th absorption (jhana),
which is otherwise known as the full "Monty"
enlightenment (nibbana).
In conclusion I believe it is reasonable to equate the
absorptions (jhanas/dhyanas) of Buddhism with the
Christian Bridal Mystic path and the Charismatic
Christian movement, or samadhi in the yogas and fana
in Islam, as well as other concepts within the various
theistic traditions.
I hope this helps the mystics of all religions
understand the commonality of the religious
experience.
Best regards,
Jeff Brooks
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