[Wheegiabe]

Doesn't look like the same thing Ajahn Brahm is describing. We see contact, feeling and perception listed in the sutta rather than a complete shut off of the five senses.

This total shut off is equated with the formless states, in particular with the "cessation of feeling & perception" as its name implies.

Hi,

I totally agree with that.

Collectedness of mind, contact, feeling, perception, intention, consciousness, desire, decision, persistence, mindfulness, equanimity, & attention goes up to the realm of nothingness.

In order to get known to the functioning of the hindrances you need to meet them. With that absorbtion concentration jhanas, you won't be able since your sense aren't working anymore. That is pre-buddhist brahman meditation. While you are in such an absorbed state, hindrances won't come up. That can be a pleasant abiding. But when you return, the hindrances return also and you have had no chance to learn how they work.

Have a look at this: http://www.dhammasukha.org/Study/mn-111.htm

Metta, always,
Mirco