When you begin the jhana meditation practice, you avoid anything not conducive to gaining concentration. On the cushion, you avoid the hindrances, the reactions that would pull you away from your meditation subject. Off the cushion, you practice the same skills by avoiding the thoughts, words, and deeds that perpetuate the hindrances.
When starting jhana meditation, it's essential to create an environment that fosters concentration. This involves minimizing distractions while meditating, thus avoiding any hindrances or reactions that could divert attention from the meditation focus. By maintaining this discipline on the cushion, practitioners ensure a more effective meditative experience.
Likewise, outside of meditation, it's crucial to cultivate habits that support concentration. This means steering clear of thoughts, speech, and actions that reinforce these hindrances. The practice extends beyond simple meditation sessions, forming a holistic approach to mindfulness and concentration in everyday life.
