Right Concentration: A Practical Guide to the Jhanas

by Leigh Brasington

A more common problem than the preceding ones is that working with concentration—whether it is jhānic concentration, access concentration, or even a lesser form of concentration—can result in someone’s unresolved psychological issues surfacing. All that energy that was being used to keep those issues at bay has now gotten quiet; all the hustle and bustle of a busy life has gone, and there is no longer the noise to drown out those issues. The arising of such psychological issues is not a bad thing; in fact, it is actually a very useful thing. But it’s not a pleasant thing! However, it is much better to have these issues surface where they can be dealt with, rather than have them lurking underground doing who knows what at a subconscious or unconscious level. But the arising of these psychological issues is a distraction for sure. They often generate aversion or some other hindering quality. They can be enough of an overriding issue that they cannot be set aside and have to be dealt with skillfully and immediately. This dealing with issues may take up all of one’s time and energy and not leave the quiet, undisturbed mind that is needed to enter the jhānas.