I’m from a Lam Te Thien Tradition of Vietnam, I practiced both the Koan practice and Jhanas system post Kensho to the 9th Jhana, yes both return the practitioner to the source of the Buddha Nature. Maha Boowa, the former head ofThai Forest Tradition went through to the 9th Jhana and experiences the same. Vietnamese Zen practice makes experiences the Jhanas with the letting go practice which simplifies Jhanas a lot. Traditional Chan texts writes more about Jhanas and Sati than people know. A lot of them are not available in English or carried through to Japanese Zen. The Zen practice is 24/7 awareness which leads to open awareness at all times. Liberation comes from being aware and awake with Buddha nature at all times after the mind is purified.
Beautiful, clearly articulated talk. Thanks so much, Stephen, and the Mountain Cloud community. I’ve begun to explore anapana again now, and I’ve been really enjoying it.
