A thread through the archive
Essays tagged “jhana”. Follow an idea across the archive.
Scott explains the Buddhist claim that 'life is suffering' through a temperature analogy: just as cold is merely the absence of heat, joy is merely less suffering, with nirvana being 'absolute zero suffering' rather than a neutral state.
Scott Alexander argues for generally believing reports of unusual mental experiences, countering skepticism about unfalsifiable internal states.
Scott Alexander summarizes comments debating the reality and implications of jhanas, a meditative state of extreme bliss.
Scott Alexander examines the Buddhist concept of jhana, a blissful meditative state, through Nick Cammarata's experiences, exploring its implications for understanding pleasure and reinforcement.