Exploring Jhana States

REGISTER: Now – May 22, 2025
COURSE DATES: May 22 – Aug 30, 2025
PREVIOUSLY OFFERED: Oct – Dec, 2019

In this advanced concentration course, we will dive deeply into the experience of the absorption states of jhāna. We’ll give careful attention to the four jhānas, using the breath as the primary initial meditation object. First we’ll examine the qualities, functions, and features of the four jhānas. Then the focus will shift to issues related to recognizing the meditation object known as the nimitta, identifying common errors that prevent absorption, exploring the formless perceptions, and gaining the masteries. This online classroom will address some advanced topics, so it is intended for participants who already have an established meditation practice and are interested in deepening their concentration.

WHAT TO EXPECT

This online course includes:

  • recorded lectures
  • reading assignments
  • sutta study
  • guided meditations
  • peer led discussion forums
  • 7 optional online video meetings with Shaila Catherine
  • online video meetings are recorded as audio files

Daily meditation practice is strongly encouraged.

DATES for the optional online video meetings in 2025 are subject to change.

The current plan is to offer them on Sundays usually at 9:00 AM Pacific Time (San Francisco) on:

Sundays, Jun 1, 15 & 29
Sundays, Jul 13 & 27
Sundays, Aug 10 & 24

PREREQUISITE FOR ENROLLMENT

This is an advanced course, for which attainment of jhana is not required. This course builds upon the material addressed in previous Bodhi Courses. Exploring The Jhana States is ideally designed for students who are already somewhat familiar with Shaila’s teachings on jhana by having attended a previous online Bodhi Course or retreat with Shaila, or by having read her books. Nevertheless, we welcome newcomers who are mature practitioners, with prior retreat experience, and an established meditation practice.

Practitioners who emphasize mindfulness, insight or concentration in their dhamma practice are encouraged to join this course. Students who are currently practicing concentration or jhana with other systems or teachers are welcome to join us, but should understand that this course is built around Shaila’s two books: The Jhanas (previously published as Focused and Fearless), and Wisdom Wide and Deep. This course is led by Shaila Catherine is not a forum to compare methods or invoke outside teachers in classroom discussions.

Two Required Texts

The Jhanas: A Practical Guide to Deep Meditative States (previously published under the title Focused and Fearless: A Meditator’s Guide to States of Deep Joy, Calm and Clarity)
by Shaila Catherine
Wisdom Publications, 2008

Will I need any books for this course?2022-08-02T09:46:01-07:00

Yes.  Focused and Fearless by Shaila Catherine (Wisdom Publications, 2008), is required. You will need a personal copy.

There will be sutta readings from the Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha: A Translation of the Majjhima Nikaya by Bhikkhu Bodhi (Wisdom Publications), the Numerical Discourses of the Buddha: A Translation of the Anguttara Nikaya by Bhikkhu Bodhi (Wisdom Publications), and also from the Connected Discourses of the Buddha: A Translation of the Samyutta Nikaya by Bhikkhu Bodhi (Wisdom Publications). You may use personal copies of these texts if you wish, or alternatively, you may choose to rely on the copies provided within the course modules.

What is the format for this course?2021-10-11T10:42:23-07:00

The course is entirely online, and includes recorded lectures and guided meditation instructions, readings, sutta study, discussion forums, a library of resources, and optional live audio or video conferences with Shaila Catherine.

What if I will be away in retreat or traveling during the course dates?2018-09-10T16:04:14-07:00

Bodhi Courses is planned and designed for people with busy schedules and every-day demands. The self-paced learning modules offer flexibility for completing assignments. Internet access is needed, but if you have a mobile device or internet access while traveling, your participation can continue without interruption. Audio talks are streamed, not downloadable.

Will there be interactions with the teachers and other students?2019-10-25T19:05:35-07:00

Yes, both. Shaila Catherine will offer several opportunities for optional live audio conferences. These sessions are optional and open to all class participants, and recordings are later made available within the course. These large group conference calls may include reflections on the lesson topic, questions and answers about applying course topics to your meditation practice, or the study of a sutta. Practical questions and comments related to meditation and the course materials are invited. However, Shaila is not available outside these large group calls for individual inquiries or practice guidance.

Students will also interact through the written discussion forums. Shaila reviews the written forums to draw out themes for the audio conferences, but she will rarely add a post directly. The written forums are intended to be a space for peer-to-peer discussions; they are moderated by a team of wise, skilled discussion leaders who help guide the forum discussions toward in-depth and practical explorations of the course themes.

What are the technology requirements for this course?2021-03-11T17:19:03-08:00

A computer with dependable internet access and a browser, and standard (freely available) software for listening to audio files and viewing PDF documents.

A mobile app for Moodle courseware is also available for those who prefer to access the course via a mobile device.

 

Will I need special software for the course?2021-10-11T16:53:40-07:00

No. The course is hosted on Moodle, which is courseware widely used by schools, universities, and various learning programs worldwide. Moodle is compatible with both PC and Mac. Moodle is browser-based, requiring no downloads or installations. For mobile devices, the Moodle moblie app is available for (free) download.

Optional live audio or video conferences with Shaila Catherine may be accessed by either computer or phone. Details will be provided in the course.

What does the registration fee cover?2018-10-30T13:47:43-07:00

The registration fee covers participation in the course, but does not include books. Additional donations (dana) for the teacher is welcome and encouraged.

Donations may be offered through our Teacher Support Page.

What if I want to cancel my registration? Are the registration fees refundable?2018-09-10T15:56:32-07:00

Registration fees are non-refundable. In the case of cancellations that occur at least 14 days prior to the course start date, Bodhi Courses will credit the amount above half the low end of the sliding scale towards a future course. Voucher credits expire in one year.

What if I still have questions?2021-10-11T16:55:47-07:00

Contact:  bcregistration

What about time demands for this course?2018-09-10T15:51:04-07:00

The assignments will likely require about 3 hours per week, depending on your level of interest and inquiry. Each learning module will span 7-14 days, and during that designated period, you may work at your own pace. Daily meditation practice is strongly encouraged.

What additional fees and costs might I incur?2019-10-25T19:00:31-07:00

The sliding scale registration fee is the only payment made to Bodhi Courses. In addition you will need to purchase the required course book(s) from your favorite book supplier or borrow from a library.

Our lectures and guided meditations are streamed, not downloadable. Depending upon the service contract with your internet provider you may incur data charges to listen to the lectures.

Will the course material remain available to us after the class period has ended?2021-10-11T10:38:40-07:00

We design our recorded lectures, guided meditations, and conference calls to function within the context of a structured course, and therefore we do not make them available for downloading or use outside the course. We envision this to be a classroom experience that is limited in time to the specified course period. We do not offer permanent access or personal possession of the talks, guided meditations, or recordings.

We do, however, provide the following support for enrolled participants: during each 2-3 month course period, the completed course modules remain available and students can review material from earlier modules throughout the duration of the course.  We also keep our courses available for a few weeks after the closing date. The number of weeks varies and depends upon how much time our volunteers need to prepare for the next Bodhi Course. Usually the material is available for 3-4 weeks after the course ends, and we announce the final date within the course. This extension offers extra time for students to review the material or catch up if they fell behind. After this period for review, the material will no longer be available and access to the course will be denied.

Is this course appropriate for me?2018-10-17T13:41:38-07:00

This course is intended for meditators who have a well established mindfulness-based practice and wish to deepen their concentration meditation.

Is there a prerequisite for participation in this course?2018-10-20T16:30:28-07:00

Yes, there are prerequisite requirements for participation in this course. Participants should have an established mindfulness based meditation practice. This course also has the additional prerequisite of having previously attended either a retreat with Shaila Catherine or an online Bodhi Courses program.

If you do not meet these criteria but feel you would benefit from the course, you may request permission from the registrar, describing your practice background and reason for your interest in this course.

What are the learning goals for this course?2018-10-17T13:43:04-07:00

The learning goals for this course are:

  1. Engage in meditation practices that lead to the absorption states of jhāna.
  2. Learn to recognize the specific qualities that characterize each of the four jhanas and four formless states.
  3. Clarify misunderstandings, avoid common errors, and consider controversies that surround contemporary jhāna trainings.
  4. Learn skill with meditation objects, how to stabilize the samādhi nimitta, and master each jhāna state.
  5. Cultivate a supportive online community with meditators who are working with the book Focused and Fearless to deepen their concentration.
COST: Sliding Scale
$700 to $290

Please consider offering generously within your means. The lower end of the scale is intended for those with very limited means. If additional scholarship assistance is needed, please contact us. The deadline for scholarship applications is 14 days prior to the date registration closes.

WATCH THE VIDEO INTRO
MEET THE TEACHER
Shaila Catherine
Shaila Catherine, Principal Teacher
2024-08-24T16:54:14-07:00
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