Foreword

Are the Jhanas and states beyond truly within reach? It depends. With the right guidance, patience, and dedication, the answer is yes. This manual is for serious meditators seeking to cultivate profound states of concentration and bliss within the focused environment of a retreat.

 

Drawing from both early Buddhist texts and practical experience, this book offers:

 

▪ Practical retreat guidelines to optimize one’s meditation schedule

▪ Step-by-step instructions for developing deep Samadhi

▪ Strategies to overcome common obstacles in concentration practice

 

Whether embarking on a silent retreat or refining one’s mindfulness practice at home, this guide serves as a trusted companion on the path to deeper stillness—laying a strong foundation for the development of wisdom.

 

This is the book I wish I had when I began my journey 30 years ago.

 

Venerable Ariyadhammika Mahathera

Leader of the Sangha of SBS Monk Training Centre, Malaysia