The Jhanas – Ajahn Brahm’s Perspective vs My Own

There are only a few Buddhist monks teaching meditation that I’ve ever considered even close my own style. Ajahn Brahm (Ajahn Brahmavamso) in Western Australia is one of these monks who I read a bit about and watched some of his videos. I contacted him just before the COVID crisis and invited him to Krabi while he was in Thailand.

We couldn’t connect on that trip, but I am looking forward to another time where we might share ideas. Ajahn Brahm’s perspective on what Jhana is, and more importantly, how to reach the Jhanas – is very much like my own. There are differences, but in the general information I found about his teaching, I disagree with very little of it.

Someday I may take him up on his offer to visit his temple in Western Australia. At the moment I just can’t find the time or resources. Soon maybe!

Here is some information about his ideas and a few notes from me.

Ajahn Brahm on Jhana

Based on his numerous talks and writings, particularly his influential book “Mindfulness, Bliss, and Beyond,” here’s a summary of Ajahn Brahm’s perspective on the Jhanas.

Note – Though Aj. Brahm speaks about deep states of concentration and focused concentration, it isn’t clear to me yet whether he’s talking about the Deep Jhanas or just some deeper form of the Sutta or Light Jhanas.

Buddhist Monk Aj. Brahm’s Ideas about Jhanas:

1. Deep Bliss and Stillness: Aj. Brahm emphasizes that Jhanas are states of profound bliss (pīti and sukha), mental unification (ekaggatā), and profound stillness. He often describes them in glowing terms, contrasting this view with interpretations that portray Jhanas as less profound or less blissful states.
2. Attainable States: Ajahn Brahm teaches that Jhanas are attainable by dedicated lay practitioners, not just monastic renunciates (monks/magee), provided they cultivate the right conditions.
3. Central Role of Letting Go: His approach heavily emphasizes “letting go” as the key. He teaches that Jhanas arise not through forceful control or intense striving, but through relaxing, releasing burdens, and allowing the mind to settle naturally into profound calm when the conditions are right. Letting go of the “controller” or the “doer” is paramount.
4. Foundation for Insight (Vipassanā): He sees Jhana (deep samatha/concentration) as the essential foundation described by the Buddha for developing profound insight (vipassanā). He believes a deeply concentrated, still, and joyful mind (as found in Jhana) is the most effective instrument for realizing deep truths.
5. Canonical Basis: He roots his understanding firmly in the Pali Canon (the original Buddhist scriptures), interpreting the descriptions of Jhana literally as states of deep absorption and bliss.
6. The Nimitta: He describes the nimitta (a sign or light appearing in the mind during deep meditation) as a natural result of profound stillness and mental unification. He teaches not to manipulate or create the nimitta, but to recognize it when it arises from sufficient calm and gently allow the mind to rest there, which naturally leads into Jhana.

Ajahn Brahm Statements on the Jhanas (Key Themes/Phrases)

• He often speaks of the “beautiful breath” and then the “beautiful silence” or “silent present moment awareness” as stages leading towards Jhana.
• He famously emphasizes “letting go” repeatedly. Instructions often involve becoming aware of the present moment, then aware of the silence within the present moment, and finally letting go even of the awareness itself, allowing the mind to incline towards the blissful object (like the nimitta).
• He describes Jhana entry as effortless, like “falling” into it once the conditions are perfected through letting go.
• He highlights the importance of pīti (rapture/bliss) and sukha (happiness/ease) as powerful factors that draw the mind into concentration, acting as “fuel” for the Jhanic state.
• He often uses analogies and humor to explain complex meditation states, making them feel more accessible.  

Phra Brahm’s Personal Experience?

• Yes, absolutely. A significant part of Ajahn Brahm’s teaching authority and style comes from his willingness to speak openly about his own meditation experiences, including his struggles and eventual breakthroughs in attaining Jhanas. He recounts his experiences training under Ajahn Chah and his dedicated practice during solitary retreats. He uses his personal journey to illustrate the principles he teaches, making it clear he is speaking from direct, first-person experience.  

Ajahn Brahm’s Teaching Method for Reaching Jhana:

1. Virtue (Sila): Like all traditional Buddhist paths, he emphasizes that ethical conduct is the necessary foundation for deep meditation.
2. Mindfulness of Breathing (Anapanasati): This is the primary vehicle. However, he teaches a very gentle approach, focusing on relaxed, kind awareness rather than forceful concentration.
3. Cultivating Contentment and Stillness: Practitioners are encouraged to be patient, kind to themselves, and find joy in the simple act of observing the breath. The goal is to allow the mind to become profoundly still and peaceful.
4. Recognizing and Letting Go of Hindrances: Gently noticing mental hindrances (desire, aversion, restlessness, sloth, doubt) and letting them go without struggle.
5. Focusing on the Present Moment & Silence: Gradually refining awareness to the silent quality of the present moment, letting go of past and future thoughts.
6. Recognizing the Nimitta: When the mind is sufficiently calm, a nimitta may arise. He teaches recognizing this sign of deep calm and gently shifting attention to it. The bliss associated with it naturally draws the mind in.
7. The Final Letting Go: The crucial step is releasing the final vestiges of control, allowing the mind, attracted by the bliss and stability of the nimitta (or similarly calm state), to enter Jhana effortlessly.

Note – My only disagreement with anything on this page regarding Ajahn Brahm’s perspective on the Jhanas is the #1. Virtue (Sila) line above. I found that no ethical conduct is necessary. I didn’t specifically follow any of the typical Buddhist guidance in this area, and yet fully experienced all Jhanas. Sure, I wasn’t a miscreant who harmed people and had hate or other negative thoughts running through my mind on a recurring basis. But I think that virtuous practice is probably necessary only while sitting still by yourself as you meditate. Most people can accomplish this. Some may have bad thoughts in their minds, fears that pop up, and other hindrances, but I think most people can overcome these with time and being a generally decent human being. As vague as that is!

Ajahn Brahm presents Jhanas as deeply blissful, attainable states reached primarily through developing profound stillness via letting go, rather than forceful effort. He speaks extensively from his own experience and teaches a method centered on gentle awareness, kindness, patience, and recognizing the natural unfolding of the meditative process towards profound calm and absorption.

Note – I just noticed Ajahn Brahm is in Indonesia until May 5. I’ll try to contact him to see if he is making his way to Thailand afterward.

I’m finishing up my new book, “DEEP JHANA – Total Ego Annihilation” due to be released 10 May 2025. Click that link for some info.