Significance of Fourth jhana
The Fourth jhana is recognized in both Mahayana and Theravada traditions as the highest level of meditative absorption. In Mahayana, it represents complete mental concentration and serves as a precursor to attaining nirvana. Theravada emphasizes profound equanimity and mental purity achieved after mastering earlier jhana states, leading to deep concentration and tranquility. This advanced meditative state is crucial for overcoming material attachment, characterized by the absence of pleasure and pain, and represents a complete immersion of the mind.
Synonyms: Deep meditation, Profound concentration, Spiritual tranquility, Fourth absorption, Deep concentration
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Fourth jhana'
The Fourth jhana in Buddhism represents the highest meditative state, characterized by profound equanimity, mental purity, and complete immersion, essential for attaining nirvana and developing direct knowledge. It emerges from mastery of prior jhana levels.
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) The fourth level of meditative absorption, which arises upon mastering the previous states and is associated with profound equanimity.[1] (2) An advanced meditative state that surpasses previous levels of concentration, allowing for the overcoming of gross material attachment.[2] (3) A specific state of deep meditation in which a meditator achieves profound peace and concentration, necessary for developing direct knowledge.[3] (4) The fourth level of jhana characterized by profound equanimity and mental purity.[4] (5) The meditative state that follows the third jhana, characterized by even deeper levels of tranquility and the absence of bliss.[5]
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) A meditative state in which joy is absent, replaced by happiness and one-pointedness.[6] (2) The fourth meditative absorption characterized by happiness and one-pointedness.[7] (3) An advanced level of meditation that leaves behind initial and sustained application as well as joy, achieving a state of deep equanimity.[8] (4) The fourth stage of Jhana, noted for pure equanimity and mindfulness, free from the duality of pleasurable and painful feelings.[9]
From: Introducing Buddhist Abhidhamma
(1) The stage of meditation where one transcends Bliss, achieving a high level of concentration and peace.[10] (2) The stage where Bliss is transcended, leading to pure mindfulness and equanimity.[11] (3) The advanced level of concentration beyond the First Jhana, where practitioners can access heightened abilities.[12]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) A meditative state characterized by deep concentration and mental purity that significantly enhanced the Bodhisatta's power of concentration.[13] (2) The highest level of meditative absorption marked by equanimity and clarity, free of all pleasure and pain.[14]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks’ rules)
(1) The highest meditative state free from both happiness and suffering, marked by purity of mindfulness.[15] (2) The highest state of jhana meditation, which represents a complete immersion and tranquility of mind.[16]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) A deep meditative state the Master entered to perform a miracle in front of his relatives.[17] (2) An advanced stage of meditative absorption characterized by deep tranquility and one-pointedness of mind.[18] (3) A meditative state characterized by equanimity.[19]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The highest level of dhyana, representing a complete state of mental concentration and a precursor to attaining nirvana.[20]