Grammatical Analysis
Jhāna: [nt.] meditative absorption; deep mental integration. Derived from root jhā (to contemplate, think, meditate) or root jhe (to burn up), because it burns up opposing unwholesome mental states like the five hindrances (nīvaraṇa).
Orthodox Definition
Jhāna refers to states of deep mental absorption achieved through the systematic cultivation of tranquility (samatha). In the Noble Eightfold Path, it forms the explicit definition of Right Concentration (Sammāsamādhi).
The Visuddhimagga outlines four distinct material-sphere jhānas (rūpajhāna), each defined by the abandonment of coarser mental qualities and the presence of specific jhāna factors (jhānaṅga):
- First Jhāna: Accompanied by applied thought (vitakka), sustained thought (vicāra), rapture (pīti), pleasure (sukha), and unmoving one-pointedness (ekaggatā).
- Second Jhāna: Devoid of vitakka and vicāra; characterized by inner confidence, pīti, sukha, and ekaggatā.
- Third Jhāna: Devoid of pīti; characterized by equanimity (upekkhā), mindfulness (sati), clear comprehension (sampajañña), sukha, and ekaggatā.
- Fourth Jhāna: Devoid of sukha; characterized by pure equanimity, purified mindfulness, and ekaggatā.
Jhānas serve as an exceptionally powerful, purified mind-state that can then be turned toward insight meditation (vipassanā) to achieve the cutting of defilements.
Textual References
- Sutta: Anupada Sutta (MN 111) – Step-by-step canonical breakdown of the mental factors running throughout each jhāna attainment.
- Abhidhamma: Vibhaṅga (Jhānavibhaṅga section) – Technical doctrinal classifications.
- Commentary: Visuddhimagga (Chapters IV and V) – The definitive step-by-step meditation manual for entering these absorptions.