What is the "rapture of solitude"?

[mjaviem]

"... Householders, you have presented robes, almsfood, lodgings, and medicines and provisions for the sick to the saṅgha of bhikkhus. You should not be content merely with this much, thinking: ‘we have presented robes, almsfood, lodgings, and medicines and provisions for the sick to the saṅgha of bhikkhus.’ therefore, householders, you should train yourselves thus: ‘how can we from time to time enter and dwell in the rapture of solitude?’ it is in such a way that you should train yourselves...

an 5.176

[Element]

rapture of seclusion = pavivekaṁ pīti

So kho ahaṁ, brāhmaṇa, vivicceva kāmehi vivicca akusalehi dhammehi savitakkaṁ savicāraṁ vivekajaṁ pītisukhaṁ paṭhamaṁ jhānaṁ upasampajja vihāsiṁ.

Quite secluded from sensual pleasures, secluded from unskillful qualities, I entered and remained in the first absorption, which has the rapture and bliss born of seclusion, while placing the mind and keeping it connected.

[philg]

For me it is letting go of everything. Part of this often results in rapture, which can be distracting until you let go of that too

[mjaviem]

rapture of seclusion = pavivekaṁ pīti

So it seems in AN 5.176 the Buddha is telling householders to practise for jhana, if I understand correctly. It seems meditation in the right way is not exclusive to monks but also possible for lay people as well, right? Not sure how to gain seclusion from sensual pleasures and from unskillful qualities other than alone in a retreat but the important thing is there is much to practise for lay people beyond just keeping five precepts. And it's not me telling this but the very Buddha, ok?

[Element]

AN 5.176

Hi. I personally do not take the AN so seriously. I think we will find the AN has the greatest variety of small varied teachings about jhana and other topics. Since the AN appears belated and focused on a very general audience, I don't take it too seriously.