Grammatical Analysis
Nirodhasamāpatti: [f.] the attainment of cessation. Formed by nirodha (cessation, stopping) + samāpatti (attainment, meditative entry).
Orthodox Definition
Nirodhasamāpatti is the highest possible meditative attainment, unique strictly to the Buddha’s dispensation. It is the complete, temporary suspension of all consciousness (citta) and mental factors (cetasika) while the biological body remains alive.
This state is completely inaccessible to worldlings (puthujjana), Stream-enterers, or Once-Returners. It can only be attained by Non-Returners (Anāgāmī) and Arahats who have also perfectly mastered all eight worldly jhānas.
To enter it, the master ascends through the eight jhānas sequentially, resolving to suspend consciousness. Upon emerging from the Base of Neither-Perception-Nor-Non-Perception, the mind-stream completely halts for up to seven days. During this time, breathing stops, the heartbeat slows to an imperceptible crawl, and the body is sustained purely by the physical life faculty (rūpa-jīvitindriya) and thermal heat. The body cannot be destroyed by fire, water, or weapons while in this state.
Textual References
- Sutta: Mahāvedalla Sutta (MN 43) – Explaining the difference between a dead body (which lacks vitality, heat, and consciousness) and a monk in cessation (who lacks consciousness, but retains vitality and heat).
- Canonical: Cūḷavedalla Sutta (MN 44) – Dhammadinnā explaining the sequence of bodily, verbal, and mental formations ceasing during entry into this state.
- Commentary: Visuddhimagga (Chapter XXIII) – The absolute master-guide detailing the complex preparatory tasks required to safely halt the mind-stream.