Nick Cammarata, a 31-year-old AI safety researcher, has always been unusually happy, even in situations that would make others feel depressed. He attributes his happiness to luck and a good childhood, but he wondered if life could get even better. In 2021, he discovered the jhanas, eight advanced meditative states that bring deep concentration and blissful absorption. Despite traditionally being practiced by mystics and monks with years of training, Cammarata taught himself to enter these states after around 1,000 hours of solo meditation practice. He was amazed by the instant joy he could experience for hours on end and began sharing his experiences with others.
While the jhanas have been practiced for thousands of years, they had not gained much attention outside of meditation circles until Cammarata started to talk about them. His enthusiastic tweets about the jhanas sparked interest in the Bay Area, leading to more research by neuroscientists and the development of new meditation programs, such as Jhourney, where Cammarata is a minor investor. This growing interest in ancient meditative practices like the jhanas may signify the next phase of the mindfulness movement, which has become a billion-dollar industry in the United States thanks to apps like Calm and Headspace.
Mindfulness, which has been shown to reduce stress, improve focus, and aid in pain management, has become increasingly popular in schools, hospitals, and workplaces. The mainstreaming of practices like the jhanas through Cammarata’s efforts could expand the benefits of mindfulness to a wider audience. While traditional meditation practices like the jhanas were once considered esoteric and reserved for spiritual practitioners, they are now becoming more accessible to the general public, thanks to the efforts of individuals like Cammarata.
The jhanas offer a unique opportunity for individuals to experience deep states of joy and concentration, which can have profound effects on mental well-being and overall happiness. Cammarata’s ability to teach himself to enter these states after extensive meditation practice demonstrates the power of dedicated training and discipline in achieving altered states of consciousness. By sharing his experiences and knowledge of the jhanas, he has sparked a renewed interest in ancient meditative practices and opened up new possibilities for individuals seeking to enhance their mindfulness and well-being.
As interest in the jhanas continues to grow and more research is conducted on their effects, it is likely that these advanced meditative states will become more widely recognized and integrated into mainstream mindfulness practices. The potential benefits of entering the jhanas, such as increased happiness and concentration, offer new avenues for individuals to explore in their quest for personal growth and self-improvement. Cammarata’s journey into the jhanas serves as an inspiration for others to delve deeper into the world of meditation and mindfulness, unlocking the potential for profound transformation and inner peace.
