Overview
Beyond the fine-material jhānas lie the four Formless Absorptions (Arūpajhāna). To enter these, a meditator must completely transcend all perceptions of physical form (rūpa). These are the most refined states of peace possible in saṃsāra, though they still fall short of Nibbāna.
The List
- Ākāsānañcāyatana - The Base of Infinite Space: Attained by transcending the perception of form and focusing entirely on the concept of endless, boundless space.
- Viññāṇañcāyatana - The Base of Infinite Consciousness: Attained by letting go of infinite space and turning the mind’s focus onto the boundless consciousness that was aware of that space.
- Ākiñcaññāyatana - The Base of Nothingness: Attained by letting go of infinite consciousness and focusing on the absolute absence or “nothingness” that remains.
- Nevasaññānāsaññāyatana - The Base of Neither-Perception-Nor-Non-Perception: The absolute limit of worldly concentration. Perception is so exquisitely subtle that it can neither be said to exist nor not exist.
Textual References
- Canonical: Anupada Sutta (MN 111) – The Buddha details Ven. Sāriputta’s progression through all material and formless attainments before realizing awakening.
- Commentary: Visuddhimagga (Chapter X) – Details the precise mental operations required to transition from one formless sphere to the next.