Jhanic potential in Christians?
score:2
Yes. We are talking about merit, morality, ethics, spiritual health, dispassion for material goods and wealth, etc.
Jhana occurs naturally when the mind is pure, i.e., without the five hindrances. There are sufficient teachings in the New Testament about "renunciation", "non-judging", " non-hatred", "forgiveness", "unconditional love" and "purity of spirit" for jhana to naturally or spontaneously manifest in a devout Christian. The "Kingdom of Heaven" itself is jhana.
Here, Udayi, the bhikkhu secluded from sensual desires and thoughts of demerit abides in the first jhana: Overcoming thoughts and thought processes and the mind in one point internally appeased, without thoughts and thought processes abides in the second jhana. Again with equanimity to joy and detachment, feeling pleasant with the body too, abides in the third jhana. To this the noble ones say abiding in pleasantness with equanimity. Udayi, this is the course of actions, for realising the world of only pleasant feelings (ekantasukhassa lokassa).
MN 79
Upvote:3
It's wise to say that Buddhism doesn't have any exclusivity on jhana type experiences thus they are naturally occurring events with the name 'jhana' appended to its experience. What I think may be unique about Buddhism is its ability to define the conditions for each jhanic experience. The Buddha describes this in the Jhana sutta
Yes, almost everyone has the potential to experience jhana. The identification with the word 'christian' does not diminish nor enhance that potential. However, the method in which you perceive yourself as 'being something' could hinder that potential. I take the example of 'being Buddhist' alongside 'learning to be a good person' - this doesn't seem to work as you are creating another mind concept to conform to. When you follow mind concepts in this way, misery looms.
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