The combination of pleasurable yet non-addictive qualities of jhanas raises a legitimate question about their limited mainstream adoption.
Jhanas actually enjoy considerable popularity historically, manifesting as religious mystical experiences across Buddhism, Hinduism, and various contemplative traditions including Christian mysticism, Sufism, and Mormonism. What distinguishes them is the ability to access them deliberately, without depending on external grace or chance occurrences.
Many practitioners compare jhana experiences to psychedelics. The organization intends future exploration of connections between jhanas, mystical experiences, and psychedelics.
Current Growth and Barriers
Evidence suggests jhana practice has expanded approximately twofold within advanced Western meditation circles over five years. However, limited adoption stems from difficulty mastering the technique and historical circumstances.
Traditional teachers typically require hundreds of prior meditation hours and favor residential retreat settings. The invisible and difficult-to-articulate nature of meditation creates varied learning trajectories, leaving practitioners and teachers frequently uncertain about progress.
Historical Context
Early Buddhist texts frequently referenced jhanas, but over time these practices became increasingly mythologized. Some traditions taught that "only one in a 1000 monks" could achieve jhana after extensive training. Later movements actively de-emphasized jhanas, including traditions influencing prominent Western Buddhist teachers like Sharon Salzberg, Jack Kornfield, and Joseph Goldstein.
Recent Renaissance
The past 5-15 years have witnessed renewed interest through Western teachers making jhanas accessible to lay practitioners. Notable teachers include Culudasa, Leigh Brasington, Rob Burbea, Kenneth Folk, Ajahn Geoff, Bhante Gunaratana, Richard Shankman, Bhante Vimalaramsi, Ajahn Brahm, Shaila Catherine, Tina Rasmussen, Steven Snyder, and Beth Upton. Future analysis will examine variations among contemporary teachers.