Significance of Fine Material Sphere
The Fine Material Sphere, in Theravada Buddhism, refers to a realm of existence defined by fine-material forms and specific resultant consciousness. It encompasses a range of experiences related to refined materiality, mental states, and meditative attainments, allowing beings to experience less attachment to the physical world. This sphere is linked to the rupa loka and is accessible through deep meditation, particularly through the fourth jhana, signifying a higher level of absorption and a more subtle form of existence.
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Buddhist concept of 'Fine Material Sphere'
The Fine Material Sphere in Buddhism signifies a refined realm of consciousness, marked by subtle forms and meditative absorption. It encompasses higher states of existence linked to the fourth jhana and beyond, fostering deeper experiences of consciousness.
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) Profitable feeling in the fine-material sphere is subtle compared to that in the sense sphere.[1] (2) A classification of consciousness that includes forms of experience linked to fine-material existence, having its own specific types of profitable and resultant consciousness.[2] (3) A realm of existence characterized by fine-material forms and specific types of resultant consciousness.[3] (4) A category of consciousness and existence that involves more subtle forms of being beyond ordinary physical experiences.[4] (5) A realm of existence related to refined materiality that a practitioner can access through deep meditation, specifically through the fourth jhana.[5]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) It is also known as Rupa-vacara dutiya tatiya jhana somanassa-vedana, and it is the second and the third jhana of this.[6] (2) This is the realm, where Citta was presumed to be reborn, outside of the Non-Material Sphere, most probably in the Pure Abodes.[7] (3) A classification of realms related to Brahmas that concern mental states and meditative attainments.[8] (4) The level of existence that encompasses beings who are more refined and less attached to the physicality of the world.[9] (5) The realm of existence that corresponds to the first three vimokkhas, where concentration occurs on both internal and external objects.[10]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Refers to the rupa loka, one of the four planes of consciousness.[11]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) The fine material sphere, also known as rupavacara, contains five types of good deeds.[12]