Discussion on the Buddhist Jhanas

[Still_Waters]

It would be interesting to hear thoughts in this forum regarding the mundane Buddhist jhanas and the supramundane jhanas. Much has been written on the subject theoretically but it would be good to hear some practical experiences that are relevant.

I will try to minimize the use of the Pali terminology so that it is more readable. I will also make this as brief as possible by indicating the main feature of the jhana that distinguishes it from the succeeding ones.

Jhanas:

1. Five hindrances are overcome; thought-conception and discursive thought still exist.

2. Joy (rapture, piti) resulting from an "Aha moment" for a particular realization.

3. Happiness (sukka) as that particular realization starts to sink in and become part of one's nature.

4. Equanimity (Ekaggata) or one-pointedness as one becomes firmly established in that particular realization.

Supramundane Jhanas:

5. Infinite Space

6. Infinite Consciousness

7. Nothingness

8. Neither perception nor not-perception

This is admittedly very concise and like the sutras of many scriptures --- key words on which to elaborate.