So I've read up on some of the advice on this thread on how to reach jhanic states. Concentrate 5 minutes like a laser beam on a single point as hard as you can for 5 minutes. I have several questions
1. How do you know when to add more time
2. I find I'm controlling my breath? Because of this I try to breath normally. If I don't breath normally then I just end up holding my breath which takes me further from the meditation object. What do I do?
3. What do I do about sensory distractions. I find that a lot of times I can stop thinking for 5 minutes but then get distracted by other senses
4. Is the goal to reach access concentration after these 5 minutes?