How to do the Earth Kasina (Mye Kathein)

The word Kasina is a Pali word. In Burmese it is called Kathein. The Earth Kasina is called "Mye Kathein" in Burmese and the Burmese word for Earth is Mye.

I would like to present here some of my research notes on this subject from a book in the Burmese language called "Pandita Vedaniya Dipani" written by the Thitkyataung Sayadaw Ashin Tilawka Mahathera.

The Earth Kasina (Mye Kathein) p. 489

You should  get a clay preferably from the river bank which is not too yellow nor red. According to the book "The Path of Purification or Vishuddhi Magga", it should be the color of dawn. It would be a pinkish color. Clean it so that there are no other pieces of dust or plant fibers. Mix with water and knead it thoroughly. The diameter of the disc should be measured in the following manner. The yogi must stretch his hand and measure the distance from the tip of the little finger to the tip of the thumb. Generally it should be between six to eight inches. For men who are taller with big hands it will be longer than eight inches. The measurement should be proportionate to the size of the yogi.

Make a border either of white color or green color. The width of the border should be about half inch.

This Earth Kasina can be made on a piece of wood, cardboard, fibreboard, leather or canvas.

Go to a secluded place away from people and noise and sit cross-legged. Before doing meditation, take a bath and wear clean comfortable clothes. Place the Kasina in front of you, not too far. Not too near. You should not have to look up nor look down. It should be the same level as your eyes.

Reflect on the nine virtues of the Buddha. Arahan, Sammasambodedaw, etc.

Then do the Metta vibration spreading by saying " may all beings be free from danger, may all beings be well in mind and body. May they at all times see good things."

Then reflect on impermanence of life and say " I will have to die one day. Therefore before I die I should try my utmost to find a path to liberation".

Reflect on the fact that the method of concentrating on Kasinas is a method practiced by Buddhas, Paceka Buddhas and Arahats. Say, "I too will do this method and find a path that will lead me to a place free from old age, disease and death".

Look at the disc without opening your eyes too wide or squinting your eye till you see the Uggaha Nameit. This is the primary image. You should be able to see this primary image even when your eyes are closed.

There is no way of knowing how long you will have to do the concentration on the Kasina disc. It depends on how much you have practiced this method during your previous life. You should repeat to yourself "earth", "earth".

When you see the Patibaga Nameit you have reached the second stage. This is the secondary image. It is clear and shining and it is a pleasure to look at it.

Then you mind will be on this image and remain fixed on this image. You will forget about everything else and you will feel that your whole being has become this image. In your mind your whole body will vanish. This is how you will feel. You will feel bliss and feel good. You mind will be fixed on one point. That point if the secondary image.

When you reach this stage you have reached the First Jhana. The feeling that you feel will be unlike any other feeling you have encountered so far.

This is how to get the first Jhana using the Earth Kasina or "Mye Kathein"

Note: what I have written above is based on my research and anapana meditation. You can also get all the levels of Jhana from First to Fourth by doing anapana meditation. Kyaw Myaing.