This online program in collaboration with Shaila Catherine's Bodhi Courses will focus on cultivation of the five jhāna factors — directed attention, sustained attention, joy, happiness, and one-pointed attention. These factors develop in the natural course of concentration. The jhāna factors overpower hindrances, develop powerful mental skills, strengthen the stability of mind, and enhance deep happiness as the mind prepares for jhāna absorption. This program is suitable for students with previous mindfulness-based meditation experience.

What to expect:

This online program includes seven learning modules with:

• recorded lectures

• reading assignments

• sutta study

• guided meditations

• peer led discussion forums

• optional live conferences with Shaila Catherine

Daily meditation practice is strongly encouraged.

Focused and Fearless: A Meditator’s Guide to States of Deep Joy, Calm and Clarity by Shaila Catherine (Wisdom Publications, 2008) is required for this program. Wisdom Wide and Deep: A Practical Handbook for Mastering Jhāna and Vipassanā, also by Shaila Catherine (Wisdom Publications, 2011) is recommended.

FAQ

Please refer to the FAQ page for more information. This program on Cultivating the Jhāna Factors is part of Bodhi Courses Concentration Series. Newcomers to Bodhi Courses are welcome to join this Jhāna Factors program, which will serve as a prerequisite for the later topics in the Concentration Series that stipulate a prerequisite of previous participation.