collection of notes on AN 10.72 thorns (hearing sound in all 4 jhānas)

Audio link, 3min 

 Frankk note:

The narrative portion is abridged,

but the 10 thorns and some of the technical meditation points retain accuracy and nuance faithful to the pāḷi source text.

AN 10.72 abridged translation

In those days, the Blessed One dwelt at Vesālī in the Great Forest, in the Hall with the Peaked Roof, accompanied by several distinguished elder disciples—the venerables Cāla, Upacāla, Kukkuṭa, Kalimbha, Nikaṭa, and Kaṭissaha, along with other renowned senior monks.

At that time, a number of prominent Licchavis arrived at the Great Forest in magnificent carriages, approaching with loud and boisterous commotion to see the Blessed One.

Then this thought arose among those venerable elders: "These celebrated Licchavis come with their splendid vehicles, creating such clamor and disturbance to visit the Blessed One. Yet the Blessed One has taught that noise is a thorn to four jhānas. Perhaps we should withdraw to the Gosiṅga Sāla Grove, where we might dwell in quietude, undisturbed and at ease."

And so those venerable ones departed for the Gosiṅga Sāla Grove, where they dwelt peacefully, undisturbed and content.

Later, the Blessed One addressed the assembly: "Where have those well known senior disciples gone? Why did they leave?"

"Venerable Sir, those elders reflected that the Licchavis were approaching with great noise and commotion, and remembering your teaching that noise is a thorn to the four jhānas, they thought it wise to seek the Gosiṅga Sāla Grove. There they now dwell in quietude, undisturbed and at ease."

"Excellent, monks! Those great disciples spoke truly, for indeed I have taught that noise is a thorn to the four jhānas.

There are, monks, ten thorns:

For one who cherishes solitude, companionship is a thorn.

For one devoted to meditation on the inherent impurities of the body, devotion to the sign of beauty is a thorn.

For one guarding the senses, watching unsuitable shows is a thorn.

For one living in celibacy, association with women is a thorn.

For the first jhāna, sound is a thorn.

For the second jhāna, linguistic verbal thoughts and evaluation of them are thorns.

For the third jhāna, mental joy is a thorn.

For the fourth jhāna, the coarse outer breathing of inhalation and exhalation is a thorn.

For  the process of attaining cessation of perception and sensation,

perception and sensation is a thorn,

Lust is a thorn.

 hatred is a thorn.

 delusion is a thorn.

Dwell without thorns, monks.

Dwell free from thorns.

Dwell without thorns and free from thorns.

The perfected ones, the Arahants are without thorns, monks;

arahants are free from thorns;

arahants are without thorns and free from thorns, monks."

"

collection of notes on AN 10.72 thorns (hearing sound in all 4 jhānas)