Hi everyone. After a few weeks of practicing the TWIM method I tend to get into the 8th Jhana very fast (20 to 30 minutes), but unfortunately it's hard for me to stabilize it. It's like I only have to close my eyes, bring a feeling of loving kindness up and it "lifts off". It's not even possible anymore to think of the loved ones anymore. Instead, the feeling just radiates by itself. As a result, I experience all Jhanas very briefly.
When I arrive at the 8th Jhana I get to a point where the mind is just resting and does not want any formations coming up to disrupt it. After some time though I get in a strange dreamy state where I'm not fully sharp and conscious. It's like I'm on a boat and I only realize this when the boat gets shaken by a wave (a thought or sensation).
When I relax, I get even dreamier and when I try to focus on the still mind, I can't hold it and experience tension in my head. I hope someone has a good advice :)
Hi Danique,
So, that seems very fast to me. You are probably going so fast since you are coming off retreat but be careful to do you lovingkindness to the directions and let it take you there - up to equanimity. When equanimity disappears this dream state occurs. When you come out it will be even quieter but very awake. just continue to observe softly - Just let it be. Don't try to make anything happen or you might have some tension in the head. At the slightest indication of tension then relax and just watch everything go buy. Just like watch cars go by on the road. Every now and then a nice looking car will get your attention. Let go relax and come back to dispassionately watching. Be very patient. You can sit 2-3 hrs. The state will get deeper and just let yourself sink into the peace of it.
We created a document for this state so please read through it.