Overview
The four Jhānas are states of profound, luminous, unified mental concentration (samādhi). They are defined by the specific mental factors that are present and those that have been suppressed. The Buddha explicitly defined Right Concentration (Sammā-samādhi) as the attainment of these four states.
The List
- Paṭhama Jhāna - The First Absorption: Accompanied by applied thought (vitakka), sustained thought (vicāra), rapture (pīti), and pleasure (sukha) born of seclusion from sensual desires and unwholesome states.
- Dutiya Jhāna - The Second Absorption: With the stilling of applied and sustained thought, it features internal confidence and unification of mind, accompanied by rapture and pleasure born of concentration.
- Tatiya Jhāna - The Third Absorption: With the fading of rapture, the meditator dwells equanimous, mindful, and clearly comprehending, experiencing physical pleasure.
- Catuttha Jhāna - The Fourth Absorption: With the abandoning of pleasure and pain, and the previous disappearance of joy and grief, it features absolute neutrality and perfect purity of mindfulness due to equanimity.
Textual References
- Canonical: Sāmaññaphala Sutta (DN 2) – The Buddha provides vivid similes (bath powder, a deep spring, lotus flowers, a pure white cloth) for the experience of each jhāna.