What is jhana?

Jhana (jhāna; Sanskrit dhyāna) means meditative absorption. It refers to deep, stable states of concentration in which the mind is fully gathered on its object, quiet and bright. The same Sanskrit word, passed through Chinese and Japanese, gives us the names Chan and Zen.

Right concentration

In the early suttas, right concentration, the eighth factor of the Noble Eightfold Path, is defined as the four jhānas. The Buddha recalled entering the first jhāna as a child, sitting under a tree, and later saw it as a way to awakening. The texts describe it as a pleasure that is not to be feared, because it does not depend on the senses.

The four jhānas

The suttas describe four stages, each more refined than the last:

• First jhāna: the mind is secluded from sense desire and unwholesome states. There is applied and sustained thought on the object, along with rapture and happiness born of seclusion.
• Second jhāna: thought falls away. There is inner confidence and unification of mind, with rapture and happiness born of concentration.
• Third jhāna: rapture fades. The meditator dwells in equanimity, mindful and aware, feeling a quiet happiness.
• Fourth jhāna: pleasure and pain are both left behind. What remains is pure equanimity and mindfulness.

The suttas illustrate these with vivid similes. The first is like a ball of soap powder kneaded with water, so that the joy soaks through the whole body. The fourth is like a person sitting wrapped from head to foot in a clean white cloth.

The texts also describe four further formless attainments beyond these, but they are usually treated separately.

What jhāna is for

Jhāna is not the goal of the path in itself. Its value is that it makes the mind calm, pliable and clear, and it weakens the five hindrances. A mind in this condition is well suited to developing insight into impermanence, suffering and not-self.

Different views

Teachers today differ in how deep they understand jhāna to be. Some describe very deep absorption in which awareness of the body fades. Others describe lighter states in which some awareness of the body and surroundings remains. Both views have long histories, and it is wise not to worry too much about labels.

Approaching jhāna

Most people approach jhāna through mindfulness of breathing or loving-kindness. Ethical conduct, a simple lifestyle and patience matter more than technique. Trying to force these states usually pushes them away; they arise when the mind lets go.