Overview

(Note: While the complete Abhidhamma system lists 15 Form-Sphere consciousnesses (5 wholesome, 5 resultant, 5 functional), specific analytical contexts often group the active Wholesome (Kusala) and passive Resultant (Vipāka) jhānic mind-states together, especially when mapping them to the traditional four-jhāna sutta model, yielding 9 primary existential states for non-Arahats).

The List

The Wholesome Jhānas (Generating Kamma):

  1. First Jhāna Wholesome Consciousness (with initial application, sustained application, joy, bliss, one-pointedness).
  2. Second Jhāna Wholesome Consciousness (without initial application).
  3. Third Jhāna Wholesome Consciousness (without initial or sustained application).
  4. Fourth Jhāna Wholesome Consciousness (without joy; with bliss and one-pointedness).
  5. Fifth Jhāna Wholesome Consciousness (with equanimity and one-pointedness).

The Resultant Jhānas (Experiencing Kamma in the Brahma Worlds):

  1. First Jhāna Resultant Consciousness (The rebirth-mind of a Brahma god).
  2. Second Jhāna Resultant Consciousness.
  3. Third Jhāna Resultant Consciousness.
  4. Fourth Jhāna Resultant Consciousness.

Textual References

  • Commentary: Abhidhammattha Saṅgaha (Chapter I) – The definitive manual detailing how form-sphere consciousness operates exclusively in the realm of deep concentration.

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