Buddha Discovered Dhyana. Piya

SD 33.
1b
1b
The Buddha Discovered Dhyana

The nature of dhyana as a basis for liberation
An essay1 by Piya Tan 2010
1 Significance of dhyana
1.1 TWO IMPORTANT MEANINGS OF JHNA
1.1.1 Dhyana (P jhna; Skt dhyna) is as old as Buddhism itself, probably older. In early Buddhism,
however, it developed into a progressive four-stage suprasensory experience of altered consciousness, and
has become uniquely Buddhist.2 The importance of dhyana in early Buddhism is attested by the fact that
we have numerous discourses where the Buddha describes his experiences of them.3 In such discourses,
the Buddha frequently admonishes his disciples to cultivate dhyana (jhna).
1.1.2 In the suttas, we also see the word jhna used in both its two basic Buddhist senses: the general
sense of meditation, and as dhyana or mental absorption, such as in this Eka,dhamma Acchar
Sagha Sutta (A 1.20):
If a monk cultivates the first dhyana (jhna) for even the duration of a mere finger-snap, then,
bhikshus, he is called a monk who dwells as one whose meditation is not in vain (aritta-j,jhna):
a doer of the Teachers teaching, a follower of his advice. He does not eat the countrys alms in
vain [for nothing].4
(A 1.20/1:38) = A:B 1.394
This passage is actually the first in a series of 191 variations (Gethin 2001:269) or 181 variations
(A:B 1.394-574) of the formula, each substituting the reading cultivates the first dhyana for a meditation-related subject. These include the other 3 dhyanas, the mental liberation of the 4 divine abodes, the 4
satipatthanas, the 4 right efforts, and various other forms of meditation, that is, the whole of the Acchar
Sagha Vagga (A 1:38-43).5
1.1.3 Jhna as such has both the senses of any kind of Buddhist meditation as well as the well known
sense of deep meditative absorption. We also noted above that meditation here covers a whole range of
practices related to mind-training, the second of the three trainings.6 In this connection, we should reflect
on this important statement by the well known meditation monk, Brahmavaso, in the opening of his insightful experiential paper on The Jhnas (2003), thus:
In the original Buddhist scriptures, there is only one word for any level of meditation. Jhna
designates meditation proper, where the meditators mind is stilled from all thought, secluded
from all five-sense activity and is radiant with other-worldly bliss. Put bluntly, if it isnt Jhna
1
I would like to record my profound gratitude to Prof Edward Crangle (Univ of Sydney, Australia) and Dr Keren Arbel (Tel Aviv Univ, Israel) for their kindness in sending me related materials on my request, and their friendly and helpful suggestions in connection with this essay.
2
See Dhyana, SD 8.4 (7).
3
See esp Ariya Pariyesan S (M 26.15-18/1:163-167), SD 1.11 (details of the 2 teachers); Mah Sha,nda S
(M 12.44-61/1:77-82), SD 1.13 (details of self-mortification); Mah Saccaka S (M 36.20-31-44/1:242-249), SD
1.12 (self-mortification); Bhaya Bherava S (M 4/1:16-24), SD 44.2 (overcoming fear in solitary practice).
4
Acchar,saghta,mattam pi ce bhikkhave bhikkhu pahama jhna bhveti aya vuccati bhikkhave bhikkhu
aritta-j,jhno viharati satthu ssana,karo ovda,paikaro amogha raha,pia bhujati. This passage is actually
the first of a series of 191 variations (or 181 according to A:B 1.394-574) of the formula, each substituting the reading cultivates the first dhyana, ie incl the other 3 dhyanas, the mental liberation of the 4 divine abodes, the 4 satipatthanas, the 4 right efforts, and various other forms of meditation: see Acchar Sagha Vagga (A 1:38-43;
A:Se 20:20, 50-55; Thai tr A:MMR 32:106 f, 33:214-219). The full list also at A 1.20. Cf anirakata-j,jhana, not
neglecting dhyana: M 6/1:33,10 = SD 59.1; It 45/39,11 = SD 41.4. See Gethin 2001: 269.
5
A 1:38-43 = A:B 1.394-574; A:Se 20:20, 50-55; Thai tr A:MMR 32:106 f, 33:214-219. For the full list, see A
1.20; see also Gethin 2001: 269.
6
On the 3 trainings, see Sla samdhi pa, SD 21.6.
http://dharmafarer.org
19
Piya Tan
SD 33.1b The Buddha Discovered Dhyana
then it isnt true Buddhist meditation! Perhaps this is why the culminating factor of the Buddhas
Noble Eightfold Path,7 the one that deals with right meditation [ie samm,samdhi or right concentration], is nothing less than the Jhnas.
(Brahmavamso 2003:5; underscore added)8
1.2 DHYANAS, MUNDANE AND SUPRAMUNDANE
1.2.1 Any of the 4 form dhyanas (rpa jhna) (and also the 4 formless attainments, ruppa) even as
mundane states of deep calm in the preliminary stages in the path to awakening, help to provide us with a
basis for insight or wisdom to arise. Dhyana as calm (samatha), in other words, is the basis for insight
(vipassan), which when properly cultivated, in turn, helps to deepen the calm, and so on.9
1.2.2 The four dhyanas, in other words, emerge again in a later stage in the cultivation of the path,
arising in direct connection with insight, when they are regarded as supramundane (lokuttara) dhyanas.
These supramundane dhyanas are the levels of concentration pertaining to the four levels of awakening
called the supramundane path (lokuttara,magga) and the stages of deliverance resulting from them, the
four spiritual fruits (fruits).10
1.2.3 Even after awakening (bodhi) is achieved, the mundane dhyanas are still useful to the liberated
person as a part of his daily meditation experience. Even for the Buddha, throughout his life, he constantly
abides in his divine dwelling (dibba,vihra), living happily here and now.11
2 The Buddha and dhyana

2.1 BRAHMAVAMSOS CLAIM
2.1.1 Not only does Brahmavamso regard dhyana as being of key importance in Buddhas meditation
system, he also declares that the Buddha discovered jhna.12 We shall here examine this statement in
some detail. What is meant by jhna here?13 Does it mean that there was no dhyana before the Buddhas
time? What happens during dhyana? [6.5]. Do we examine our experiences with insight while in dhyana
or after emerging from it? [6.2].
To substantiate his claim, Brahmavamso quotes the Pacla,caa Sutta (S 2.7). Since it is a very
short sutta, it is here translated in full:
SD 33.1b(2.1)
(Gth) Pacla,caa Sutta
The Pacla,caa Discourse (Verses)14 | S 2.7/1:48

Traditional: S 1.2.1.7 = Sayutta Nikya 1, Sagth Vagga 2, Devaputta Sayutta 1, Pahama Vagga 7
Theme: The Buddha discovers dhyana
1 Originating in Svatth.
2 At one time, the devaputra Pacla,caa stood in the presence of [before] the Blessed One and
addressed him with this verse:
3
Sambdhe vata oksa
In the midst of the confined, the opening
Right concentration is the one-pointedness of the mind through the four dhyanas. A full def is given in terms of
dhyana description and factors in Sacca Vibhaga S (M 141.31/3:252).
8
See The Layman and dhyana (SD 8.5), which shows that Bodhis view does not exactly concur with Brahmavamsos view, highlighted here (underscored) , and yet there are important areas where they concur.
9
See Samatha and vipassana, SD 41.1.
10
See Samatha and vipassana, SD 41.1 esp (6.3.6).
11
D 3:220; DA 3:1006. On the 4 benefits of dhyana experience, see Sagti S (D 33.1.11(5)/3:222 f), & Samdhi
Bhvan S (A 4.41/2:44-46), SD 24.1, see also SD 33.1a (3.2).
12
See Mindfulness, Bliss and Beyond, 2006:127-130.
13
On def of jhna, see Dhyana, SD 8.4 (3).
14
Or, The Discourse to Pacla,caa, in (Pacla,caa) Sambdha S (A 9.42/4:449-451), SD 33.2.
20
SD 33.1b
avindi bhri,medhaso,
yo jhnam,bujjhi15 buddho
patilna,nisabho mun ti.
[The Buddha:]
4 Sambdhe vpi vindanti18
(pacla,ca ti bhagav)
dhamma nibba,pattiy,
ye sati paccalatthasu19
samm te susamhit ti.20

the sage of vast wisdom found
the Buddha who discovered [awakened to] dhyana:
the lone lordly bull of a sage is he.16 = A 9.42/4:44917
Even in the midst of the confined, they find it,
(O Pacla,caa, said the Blessed One)
the Dharma for the attaining of nirvana
those who have gained mindfulness,
those who are fully well concentrated.
eva
2.1.2 Notice that the key stanza here that Brahmavamso cites also appears in the Aguttara Nikya,
in the (Pacla.caa) Sambdha Sutta (A 9.42), whose protagonist is nanda. Also note that in the
Sayutta account, the same stanza is spoken by a deva named Pacala,caa before the Buddha, and in
the (Pacla.caa) Sambdha Sutta, it is nanda who gives a full explanation of it to the monk Udy.21
In other words, in both cases, the stanza is not spoken by the Buddha himself.
2.1.3 The Sayutta Commentary, explaining the phrase in the midst of the confined (sambdhe),
says that there are two kinds of confines: the confines of mental hindrances (nvaraa,sambdha) and the
confines of the cords of sense-pleasures (kma,gua.sambdha), and that the former is meant here (SA 1:106). The Commentary is being somewhat technical, as we can take sambdhe just as well here to mean
in the household life. After all, we often find sambdha (crowded) in the phrase sambdho ghara,vso (the crowded household life).22 It is also likely that the Buddha is alluding here to his experience
of the first dhyana as a young boy (M 36).23
2.1.4 Bodhi translates jhna abujjhi buddho as the Buddha who discovered jhna, by which he
apparently takes discovered figuratively, in the sense that the Buddha has awakened or understood
dhyana. Brahmavamso, on the other hand, takes abujjhi literally as discovered, in the sense that the
Buddha found what no one before him had found in our history.24 Brahmavamso explains:
When it is said that the Buddha discovered Jhna, it is not to be understood that no one had
ever experienced Jhna before. For instance, in the era of the previous Buddha Kassapa, countless men and women achieved Jhna and subsequently realized Enlightenment. But in the India
15
So Be WT; Ce jhanam,budh (another MS: jhna buddhbuddho); Ee jhnam abuddhi; Se jhanam abuddhi.
Sambdhe gata oksa, avud bhri.medhaso | yo jhna abujjhi buddho, pailna,nisabho mun ti. For
abujjhi here, S (PTS ed) has vl abuddhi (with no change in meaning). S:B tr: The one of broad wisdom has indeed
found | The opening in the midst of confinement, | The Buddha who discovered jhna | The chief bull, aloof (from
the herd), the sage. See S:B 386 n151.
17
S 2.7/1:48 = A 9.42.1/4:449 (SD 33.2).
18
So Be Ce WT; Se sambdhepi ca tihanti.
19
So Be Se WT; Ce pacalatthusu.
20
So Be Ce WT; Se susamhit ti.
21
A 9.42/4:449-451.
22
Smaa,phala S (D 2.41/1:63), Subha S (D 10.29/1:1206), Tevijja S (D 31.41/1:250); Ca Hatthipadopama S (M 27.12/1:179), Mah Saccaka S (M 36.12/1:240), Mah Tah,sakhaya S (M 38.32/1:267), Kandaraka S (M 51.13/1:344), Ghoa,mukha S (M 95.15/2:162), Sagrava S (M 100.9/2:211), Devadaha S (M 101.31/2:226), Cha-b,bisodhana S (M 112.12/3:33), Danta,bhmi S (M 125.14/3:134), Civara S (S 16.11/2:219),
Thapati S (S /55.6/5:350); Attantapa S (A 4.198/2:208), Upli S (A 10.98/5:204), Soa S (U 5.6/59).
23
On sambdha, see further Sambdhoksa S (A 6.26/3:314-317) + SD 15.6 (2.3.3).
24
On explanation of discovery (buddhi etc), see KhpA 15 f = KhpA: 7 f.
16
21
Piya Tan
of twenty six centuries ago, all knowledge of Jhna had disappeared. This was one reason that
there is no mention at all of Jhna in any religious text before the time of the Buddha.25
(Brahmavamso 2003:5)
2.2 THE BODHISATTVA AND DHYANA
2.2.1 Brahmavamso goes on to explain that the Bodhisattvas meditation training under ra Klma (from whom he learns to attain the sphere of nothingness) and Uddaka Rma,putta (through whom he
masters his father Rmas teaching and attains the sphere of neither-perception-nor-non-perception).26
[3.1]
However, these two attainments could not have been connected to Jhna, because the Bodhisatta
recalled, just prior to sitting under the Bodhi Tree, that the only time in his life that he had experienced any Jhna was as a young boy, while sitting under a Rose-Apple Tree as his father conducted the first-ploughing ceremony (M 36).
One of the reasons why Jhna was not practised before the Buddhas enlightenment was because people then either indulged in seeking pleasure and comfort of the body or else followed a
religion of tormenting the body. Both were caught up with the body and its five senses and knew
no release from the five senses. Neither produced the sustained tranquillity of the body necessary
as the foundation for Jhna. When the Bodhisatta began the easy practices leading to such tranquillity of the body, his first five disciples abandoned him in disgust. Such a practice was not regarded as valid. Therefore it was not practised, and so Jhna never occurred.
(Brahmavamso 2003:6)
2.2.2 In other words, according to Brahmavamsos argument, if we accept the 7-year-old
Bodhisattvas jambu-tree dhyana experience [4.4.1] as true, we cannot accept his tutelage under the two
teachers, ra Klma27 and Uddaka Rma,putta [3.1], as true, too. However, I think his argument seems
a little forced.
2.2.3 In fact, it is easier to understand why the Bodhisattva so easily masters the meditation teachings
of the two teachersbecause he has mastered dhyana or at least able to attain it at such a tender age! Of
course, it is possible that the story of the two teachers might have been a later interpolation, in which case,
we would have no problem at all with the jambu-tree dhyana account anyway. But it would give more
weight to Brahmavamsos view that the Buddha discovered dhyana.
3 The two teachers

3.1 RMA AND UDDAKA RMA,PUTTA
3.1.1 The Bodhisattvas visits to ra and to Uddaka are recorded in a pericope preserved in a
number of important discourse, namely, the Ariya Pariyesan Sutta (M 29), the Mah Saccaka Sutta
(M 36), the Bodhi Rja,kumra Sutta (M 85) and the Sagrava Sutta (M 100).28 We have possible
evidence from the Mah,parinibbna Sutta (D 16), that ra knows dhyana. It is recorded that
25
Dakkhia Vibhaga S (M 142) mentions the outsider free from lust for sense-pleasures (bhirak kmesu
vitarga) that is, a worldling dhyana-attainer25 (M 142.5/ 3:255). If such a meditator existed before the Buddhas
time in India or exists outside of Buddhism, then Ajahn Brahmavamsos assertion that the Buddha discovered Jhna may need to be re-examined (Brahmavamso 2003:5). See The layman and dhyana, SD 8.5(11c).
26
See Ariya Pariyesan S (M 26.15a-17/1:163-167).
27
ra, one of the Bodhisattvas early teachers, taught him meditation up to the sphere of nothingness (kicayatana). Buddhaghosa says that ra was also called Dgha,pigala; Klma was his family name (DA 2:569 =
MA 2:171). The story of the Bodhisattvas first two teachers is found in Ariya,pariyesan S (M 26.15/1:163-168),
Mah Saccaka S (M 36/1:240; Sagarva S (M 100/2:212); Madhyamgama of the Sarvstivda (T26.776b5777a4; Vinaya of the Dharmaguptakas (T1428.780bt-c19); cf J 1:66; DhA 1:85; ApA 71; BA 6; DhsA 34; Mahvs
66. See Ariyapariyesan S (M 26), SD 1.11(15).
28
M 26.15-17/1:163-166 (SD 1.11) = 36.14-16/1:240 = 85.11-13/2:93 = 100.10-12/2:211 f respectively.
22
SD 33.1b
Pukkusa, a follower of ra Klmas, relates to the Buddha how, once, his (Pukkusas) 500 carts
trundling near the meditating ra Klma do not trouble him at all. In other words, ra is not troubled
by external sounds.29
3.1.2 Uddaka is very interesting because scholars have sometimes mistaken him for his father,
Rma. E J Thomas, in his Life of the Budha as Legend and History, notes that [t]he visit to Uddaka
Rma,putta is then described in almost the same terms [as for ra Klma], but here the doctrine was
that which had been realized and proclaimed by Rma, the father of Uddaka (1949:63).30
Bodhi is aware of this, for in The Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha, his translation of the
Majjhima Nikya, he notes in his translation of the Ariya Pariyesan Sutta that
Both Horner in [Middle Length Sayings] and [amoli] in MS err in their translations of the
account of Bodhisattas meeting with Uddaka Rmaputta by assuming that Uddaka is identical
with Rma. However, as his name indicates, Uddaka was the son (putta) of Rma, who must have
already passed away before the Bodhisatta arrived on the scene. It should be noted that all references to Rma are in the past tense and the third person, and that Uddaka in the end places the
Bodhisatta in the position of teacher. Though the text does not allow for definite conclusions, this
suggests that he himself had not yet reached the fourth immaterial attainment.
(Bodhi, 2001:1217 n303; 1995, 2nd ed 2001)
However, it is clear from the Uddaka Sutta (S 35.103), that Uddaka Rma,putta has no high spiritual
attainment at all:
Bhikkhus, though Uddaka Rmaputta was not himself a knowledge-master [vedag], he declared: I am a knowledge-master. Though he was not himself a universal conqueror, he declared: I am a universal conqueror. Though he had not excised the tumours root [craving], he declared: I have excised the tumours root.
(S 35.103/4:83. Bodhis tr; notes added)31
3.1.3 It is possible that the ascetic Rma32 was the first (apparently the oldest)33 of the eight wise
brahmins who attended the Nativity and performed the protection rites (rakkha,kamma, Miln 236) for
the child Siddhattha. The Milinda,paha lists the eight brahmins as follows: Rma, Dhaja, Lakkhaa,
Mant, Yaa, Suyma, Subhoja and Sudatta (Miln 236).
The Jtaka Commentary gives the same names with minor variations, that is, Koaa (for Yaa) and Bhoja (for Subhoja) (J 1:56). According to the Jtaka Commentary, seven of the brahmins raised
two fingers, prophesizing that the Bodhisattva would either become a universal monarch (cakka,vatti) (if
he remains in the world), or the Buddha (if he renounces the world) (J 1:56).
3.1.4 Amongst those scholars who think that the tradition of the two teachers instructing the
Bodhisattva was a fabrication were Andr Bareau,34 Tilmann Vetter,35 and Johannes Bronkhorst.36 Those
29
D 16.4.27/2:130 = SD 9. On someone in the first dhyana not being able to hear, see Vitakka,vicra, SD 33.4(1.2).
30
Peter Skilling discusses this point in detail in Uddaka Rma,putta and Rma, Pli Buddhist Review 6,2 198182a:99-105. See Sagrava S (M 100.11 f) in SD 10.9. See also A Wynne, How old is the Suttapiaka? 2003:2228 Internet ed; see esp Wynne, The Origin of Buddhist Meditation, 2007: 9-26.
31
Uddaka S (S 35.103/4:83 f), SD 94.2.
32
The 8 wise brahmin augurs who, on the 5th day of the Bodhisattvas birth, visit him to foretell his future, viz,
Rma (father of Uddaka Rma,putta), Dhaja, Lakkhaa, Mant, Koaa (youngest of these eight, but the eldest of
the 5 monks), Bhoja, Suyma, and Sudatta (J 1:55 f). Rma is not listed in DPPN.
33
The youngest is said to be Koaa (J 1:55 f).
34
Recherches sur la biographie du Buddha dans les Sutrapitaka et les Vinaya anciens I, Paris: cole franaise
dExtrme-Orient, 1963.
35
The Ideas and Meditative Practices of Early Buddhism, Leiden: E J Brill, 1988.
23
Piya Tan
who have proven the two-teacher episode to be historical include Ghirgo Zafiropulo37 and Alexander
Wynne.38 It is instructive to carefully study the works of these two groups of scholars to have an idea of
the depth and insight of their respective researches.
3.2 THE BUDDHA DISCOVERED DHYANA (BRAHMAVAMSO)
3.2.1 The story of the Buddha and the two early meditation teachers is found in the most ancient
Buddha-story we have, that is, the one preserved in the Ariya Pariyesan Sutta (M 29), and repeated in
other early suttas.39 Here, it is said that the Bodhisattva learns and masters the two highest formless meditations from the two teachers. He masters the attainment of the sphere of nothingness (kicayatana)40 from ra Klma, and the attainment of the sphere of neither-perception-nor-non-perception (neva,sa,nsayatana) using the late Rmas method taught through his son, Uddaka41 [3.1]. However, the Buddha explains, they do not lead to revulsion (with the world), to cessation (of suffering), to
direct knowledge, to self-awakening, to nirvana, but only to rebirth in that particular realm.
3.2.2 Now, the question we need to ask is this: Did the two teachers teach dhyana or had they ever
experienced it? We know from the Uddaka Sutta (S 35.103) that Uddaka is not awakened [3.1], but there
is no mention of whether he is skilled in dhyana or not. Nor do we have any similar information on ra,
except for a remark by Pukkusa, a pupil of his, recorded in the Mah,parinibbna Sutta (D 16).42 Technically, it is not possible to attain the formless attainments without first mastering the form dhyanas. So,
theoretically speaking, if we accept that the two teachers teachings are authentic, it is possible that they
have experienced dhyana.
3.2.3 Brahmavamso, however, does not think so (to him, the two teachers did not teach dhyana).
Although there was dhyana before the Buddhas time, it was in the remotely distant past, in the times of
past Buddhas, such as Kassapa (the Buddha just before our Buddha). Dhyana meditation, however, was
forgotten after that, that is, until our Buddha teaches it again.
In his book, The Jhnas, Brahmavamso gives the following arguments why the two teachers did not
teach dhyana:
(1) [The 7-year-old Bodhisattvas dhyana experience was] spontaneous...untaught, unplanned
and since forgotten.43 If that was the only Jhna experienced by the Bodhisattva prior to his
experience under the Bodhi Tree, then the two teachers ra Klma and Ud[d]aka Rmaputta could not have taught Jhna at all.
(2) ...in the Mahsaccaka Sutta (M 36), the Bodhisatta is shown rejecting the experiences under
the two teachers as not leading to Enlightenment, and then exhausting just about every form
of ascetic practice before concluding that that, too, did not lead to Enlightenment.44 (Then he
recalls his first dhyana experience, and turns to the middle way.)
36
The Two Traditions of Meditation in Ancient India, Stuttgart: Steiner Verlag, 1986; New Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1993.
37
Lillumination du Buddhha: de la qute lannonce de lveil: essais de chronologie relative et de stratigraphie textuelle (Innsbruck: Institut fr Sprachwissenschaft der Universitt Innsbruck, 1993. He argues against Bareaus
thesis.
38
A Wynne, How old is the Suttapiaka? St Johns College, 2003:22-28 Internet ed.
39
M 26.15-16/1:163-166 (SD 1.11) = 36.14-15/1:240 = 85.11-12/2:93 = 100.10-11/2:211 f respectively.
40
M 26.15/1:163-165 = SD 1.11.
41
M 26.16/1:165 f = SD 1.11.
42
The Sutta records how Pukkusa Malla,putta, ras pupil, claims that lra is an accomplished meditator, who,
in his meditation, is totally undisturbed by the incessant rumblings of 500 carts passing close by (D 16.4.27/2:130 f),
SD 9.
43
Analayo insightfully comments that [p]ossibly his ability to enter the first jhna so easily at this particular
moment during his early youth was related to samatha practice undertaken in a previous life, an ability lost during
his adolescence and later sensual indulgence as a young man, so that he had to develop it anew. (2003:76 n42)
44
M 36.14-17/1:240 = Ariya Pariyesan S (M 26.15-16/163-166).
24
SD 33.1b
(3) One of the reasons why Jhna was not practised before the Buddhas Enlightenment was because people either indulged in seeking pleasure and comfort of the body or else followed a
religion of tormenting the body. Both are caught up with the body and its five senses and
knew no release from the five senses. Neither produced the sustained tranquillity of the body
necessary as the foundation for Jhna.
(4) When the Bodhisatta began the easy practices leading up to such tranquillity of body, his first
five disciples abandoned him in disgust. Such a practice was not regarded as valid. Therefore
it was not practised, and so Jhna never occurred.
(5) After the Buddhas Enlightenment, the very first teaching that He gave, even before the famous Four Noble Truths, was the exposition of the Middle Way, a way which had not existed
before (except long ago in the eras of previous Buddhas), a way which leads automatically to
Jhna and then to Enlightenment.
(6) It was as if, the Buddha said, that He had discovered a long lost path leading to an ancient
city (S 12.65).45 The ancient city was Nibbna (Enlightenment) and the long lost path was the
the Eightfold Path culminating in Jhna. Since the Buddha rediscovered the path, it can be
said that the Buddha rediscovered Jhna.
(2003:5-7)
4 Dhyana before the Buddhas time

4.1 SOURCE CRITICISM
4.1.1 I think that any informed Buddhist or scholar would find it difficult to fully agree with Brahmavamsos arguments presented above [3.2]especially if we are to carefully examine the early texts. It is
quite clear from textual evidence that dhyana was known before the Buddhas time. Here, I have found
Israeli Buddhist scholar Keren Arbels conference paper, Buddhist or Not? Thinking anew the role of
the jhnas in the path of awakening (2008), to be very helpful.46 I am confident that we can reconcile the
two seemingly contradicting viewsthat dhyana was known and practised before the Buddhas time, and
that the Buddha discovered dhyana. In her investigation here, she uses the method of source criticism
(which presupposes that an ancient text carries imprints of the historical environment of its origin) to
examine Buddhist and related Indian sources.47
4.1.2 Those who have some knowledge of non-Buddhist texts and systems before or around the
Buddhas time, will notice that a significant number of Buddhist terms are also found in other systems
(especially the brahminical), that is to say,
terms adopted and used with new senses, such as, aggi (fire), amata (the death-free), brahma,cariya
(the holy life), brahma,vihra (the divine abodes), jhna (dhyana), uposatha (precept day), veda
(knowledge);
common terms with Jainism, such as buddha (awakened one), pacceka,buddha (self-awakened individual), jina (conqueror), nibbna (nirvana), tathgata (one thus come), bhvan (cultivation),
sava (influx), kamma (karma), samaa (ascetic), pabbajj (renunciation);
terms referred to but rejected, such as att (abiding self or soul), vaa (colour, caste, class).48
4.1.3 As Arbel has noted:
45
Nagara S (S 12.65.19-21/2:105 f), SD 14.2.

2008:4-14. My grateful thanks to Keren Arbel for her generosity in promptly sending me her conference paper.
47
Source criticism started with western scholars investigating the texts of Classical antiquity (esp Homer's Iliad).
In the 18th century, Jean Astruc, a French professor of medicine, adapted this method to his own investigation into
the sources of the Book of Genesis, which he anonymously published. As used in biblical criticism, it refers to the
attempt to establish the sources used by the author and/or redactor of the final text. The term literary criticism is
occasionally used as a synonym. Subsequently considerably developed by German scholars, it was known as the
Higher Criticism, a term no longer widely used. In general, the closer a source is to the event which it purports to
describe, the more one can trust it to give an accurate description of what really happened. See
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Source_criticism_(Biblical_studies).
48
For further details, see Why the Buddha hesitated, SD 12.1 (6).
46
25
Piya Tan
Although we do not have access to all possible influences on early Buddhism, we do have
three valuable sourcesthe Sahitas [the three Vedas], the Older Upaniads,49 and references to
practices exercised by other samaas and brhmaas, recorded in the Nikyas themselves. Other
non-Buddhist texts such as Jaina materials,50 the Yoga Stra of Patajali51 and some later Upaniads (such as the Maitr Upaniads), which contain references to similar states, or better say, what
looks similar, cannot be dated before the beginning of the Christian era.52
...we can assume justifiably that they might exhibit influences of Buddhist practice, and not
the other way around.53
(Arbel 2008:4 f; Sujato footnotes added)
4.1.4 During the Buddhas time, there were only three Vedas:
(1) the g-veda,
hymns to Vedic deities; the oldest of which go back to 1500 BCE,
(2) the Sma-veda,
sacred hymn-book for the Udgt or Vedic cantor; and
(3) the Yjur-veda,
Vedic mantras and instructions on their proper usage in Vedic rituals.
By the Buddhas time, Vedic literature comprised several different classes:
(4) the four collections
(sahita)
of Vedic verses attributed to ancient seers (is, Skt ),
(5) the ritual manuals
(brhmaa)
on the elaborate Vedic sacrificial rituals, and
(6) the forest books
(rayaka),
explaining the esoteric meanings of such rituals.
(7) the Upaniads
(upaniad)
teaches universal spirit and individual soul.
The Upanishads, the last class of Vedic literature, containing further esoteric commentary on the rituals,
were still in the formative stage.54
4.1.5 Edward Crangle, who has explored meditation in the early Indian contemplative texts,
observes that none of the Vedas or Sahitas give any indication of the doctrine of karma, or offer any
clear method for liberation.55 Even in the Upaniads, he notes, terms such as moka and mukti (both
denoting spiritual liberation) do not occur often (1994:70). The rayakas and the Brhmaas, too, show
only initial recognition of the power of the mind or meditation techniques, even though they show a shift
from external sacrifice to internal worship or meditation (upsana).56
4.2 UPSANA
4.2.1 In the older (that is, pre-Buddhist) Upaniads,57 words derived from DHY (to think)58 (from
which we get dhyna, P jhna) occur only 26 times. In the Nikyas, on the other hand, the four dhyanas
occur in at least 86 different places.59 In the early Upaniads, we hardly find the word dhyna or its related forms, but words derived from upa + S (to sit)such as upsan mentioned earlierappear at least
188 times.60
49
See Sujato, A History of Mindfulness, 2005:128-136.

51
52
According to Jain tradition, Mahvras teachings, the old texts (Prva) were lost. The council which compiled the Jain texts dated from the 5th or 6th cent CE. As for the Yoga Stra, most scholars believe that its author,
Patajali, lived around the 2nd or 3rd cent CE. The Maitr Upaniad, which have echoes of Buddhist practices, dates
from around the 1st cent CE. [Arbels fn; abridged]
53
For an instructive study on how non-Buddhist sources and early Buddhism influences one another, see Edward
Crangle 1994.
54
These Upaniads are the Bhad-rayaka, Chndogya, Taittirya, Aitareya and Kaustaki. See Tevijja S (D
13.13/1:238), SD 1.8 (2); see also Arthur Macdonell, A History of Sanskrit Literature, 2nd ed Delhi: Motilal
Banarsidass, 1971:197.
55
Crangle, The Origin and Development of Early Indian Contemplative Practices, 1994:5 f.
56
Crangle 1994:61 f.
57
That is, Bhad-rayaka, Chndogya, Taittirya, Aitareya and Kaustaki Upaniads.
58
Martin T Adam 2006:75 & Keren Arbel 2008:6 give this root as DHYAI; but I follow W D Whitney, The Roots,
Verb-forms and Primary Derivatives of the Sanskrit Language,1885:85.
59
Paul Griffiths, Buddhist Jhna: A form-critical study, Religion 13, 1983:57.
60
E Crangle 1994:72.
50
26
SD 33.1b
4.2.2
4.2.2.1 Edward Crangle (1994), following Neela Velkar (1967), has studied the term upsana
(meaning sitting, being near or being near at hand; attending to) in detail, and lists the its frequency.61
In the Bhad rayaka, upsana occurs 63 times, dhyna 12 times, and yoga twice. In the Chndogya,
upsana occurs 115 times, dhyna 12 times, and yoga twice.62 It is difficult to ascertain its meaning or
meanings, but has been translated sometimes as worship and sometimes as meditation.63 Here is a
passage from the Bhad rayaka, where it occurs:
Next, this breath, water is the body, its light-form is that moon. As far as the breath extends so far
extends water and that moon. These are all alike, all endless. Verily, he who meditate/worships
(upsana) them as finite wins a finite world. But he who meditates/worships them as infinite wins
an infinite world.
(BU 1.5.14)
4.2.2.2 Crangle explains upsana as a contemplative process wherein the object of worship is an
object of concentration (1994:74). Sujato observes that it in fact seems to embody the shift from an
external worship and ritual towards the inner contemplation. (2005:131).
4.2.2.3 Crangle interestingly suggests that upsana is related to the Buddhist term satipahna (Skt
smtyupasthna), especially the last element of the compound, that is, upahna (Skt upasthna)
(1994:198 f). Sujato agrees and adds that
This may be supported on a number of grounds. The sound of the words is almost identical, especially in Sanskrit (upasthna and upsana). Though they form from different roots, the construction and basic meanings are similar: upa +as means to sit near; upa + sth means to stand
near. From there they both developed the sense of wait upon, serve, attend, and then to pray,
worship. In a more specifically meditative context they are both used largely in the sense of the
initial grounding on the meditative/contemplative object, rather than the resulting state of absorption. We also note that some of the meditation objects for upsana are also found in satipatthana:
the breath, water, fire, space, bliss, mind, etc. So it seems that Crangles suggestion can be accepted. The major contemplative practice of the pre-Buddhist period is upsana, and this practice
finds its closest Buddhist connection, surprisingly enough, not with jhana or samadhi, but with
satipatthana.
(2005:131 f; see further pp 132-136)
4.3 FORMATIVE TEACHINGS
4.3.1 Any research into pre-Buddhist meditation terminology is hampered by the fact that the Vedas
and the early Upaniads have very little or nothing on meditation. The earliest clear descriptions of
meditation outside of Buddhism are in the Upaniads and Jain texts, which are, however, later than the
Buddhist suttas. So they are more likely to be cases of Buddhist influences, although there is a possibility
that even late texts could preserve some ancient traditions.
4.3.2 Recent scholarship has cast doubt on the accepted wisdom that the early Upaisads were preBuddhist. We find no mention of the Upaniads in the suttas, except perhaps for the Tevijja Sutta (D
13), which in fact mentions the names of some of the early Upanishads (still in their evolving stages)
Adhvaryu, Taittirya, Chndogya and Bahvc64 and also the names of early Vedic sagesAaka, Vmaka, Vma,deva, Viv,mitra, Jamad-agni, Agi,rasa, Bhra,dvja, Vsiha, Kayapa, and Bhagu.65
61
Neela Velkar, Upsana in the Upaniads, unpublished PhD thesis, Bombay, 1969. E Crangle, The Origin and
Development of Early Indian Contemplative Practices,Wiesbaden, 1994.
62
Crangle 1994:71.
63
But see esp Crangle 1994:59-62, 72-138.
64
D 2.10/1:237 + SD 1.8 (2). These are the original Sanskrit forms of the Pali: Addhariy, Tittiriy, Chandok,
Chandv, Brahmacariy. According to TW Rhys Davids, the first three were skilled in liturgy generally and
probably referred to those adept in the Yajur, Sma and g Vedas respectively, and notes that If we adopt the other
27
Piya Tan
4.3.3 K N Jayatilleke, in his Early Buddhist Theory of Knowledge, gives the following concordance
for the Adhvaryu, Taittirya, Chndogya and Bahvc brahmins:66
School
gveda-bavhrij Brhma (Bahvcas)
Sma,veda-chandog Brhmaa (Chandogas)
Yajur,veda-tittiriy Brhma (Taittiriyas)
Yajur,veda-addhariy Brhmaa (Adhvaryus)
Text
Bahvvas Brhmaa (lost) but incorporated
in the Aitareya and Kauitaki Brhmaas.
Chndogya Brhmaa.
Taittiriya Brhmaa.
atapatha Brhmaa.
4.3.4 This suggests that the Upaniadic schools existed in the Buddhas time, but their teachings
were still formative. Sujato proposes that
Perhaps the Upaniads that we have today derive from the later settled tenets of each of these
strands of Brahmanical thought.67 But whether or not the Upaniads in their current form existed
at the Buddhas time, there is no doubt that ideas we can call Upaniadic were prominent. In
the sphere of metaphysics we can cite the Buddhas critique of such ideas as that the self is infinite (anantav att), or that the self is identical with the world (so att so loko), or that I am He
(esoham-asmi); or indeed the Buddhas condemnation of the suggestion by a certain brahmin
cosmologist that All is oneness (sabbam ekatta). It would seem only natural to connect such
metaphysics with samatha attainments, as implied by the Brahmajla Sutta [D 1].
(2005:133)
4.4 EARLY BUDDHIST SOURCES
4.4.1 Dhyana before the Buddhas time
4.4.1.1 THE BODHISATTVAS FIRST-DHYANA. Although we are generally familiar with dhyana as
being taught by the Buddha and practised by his early disciples (as often detailed in the suttas), there are
at least two occasions recorded in the Nikyas where dhyana as a meditation experience is definitively
described as the Bodhisattvas practice. The first is the well known episode of the child Bodhisattva experiencing the first dhyana under the jambu tree during the ploughing festival, as recounted in the Mah
Saccaka Sutta (M 36)68 [5.2]. In the first-dhyana episode, the experience is recounted in the language of
the first-dhyana stock passage:
Then, Aggi,vessana, I thought thus, I recall that when my father the Sakya was occupied
while I was sitting in the cool shade of a rose-apple tree, quite secluded from sensual pleasures,
secluded from unwholesome states, I entered upon and abided in the first dhyana that is accompanied by initial application and sustained application, zest and joy born of seclusion.
(M 36.31/1:246), SD 1.12; MA 2:290 f; J 1:57
4.4.1.2 THE BREATHINGLESS MEDITATION. The second account is also found in the same Sutta (M
36), where the Buddha describes his asceticism before his awakening. Several of such self-mortifying
practices include what is said to be the breathingless meditation (appaaka jhna).69 Indeed, here jhna
reading [ie Brahmacariy] for the last in the list, then those priests who relied on liturgy, sacrifice or chant would be
contrasted with those who had gone forth as religieux, either as Tpasas or as Bhikshus. (D:RD 1:303 n2).
65
D 2.13/1:238 + SD 1.8 (2). See also V 1:245; D 1:104, 242; A 3:224, 229; M 2:200. For identification of these
seers names, see Vinaya Texts (tr Rhys Davids & Oldenberg) 2:130 n3 & V:H 4:337 nn5-9.
66
Jayatilleke 1963:479-481. See further Sujato, A History of Mindfulness, 2005:132-136.
67
See OH de A Wijesekera, A Pali reference to Brhmaa-caraa, Adyar Library Bulletin 20 1956.
68
M 36.31/1:246 = SD 29.4. Also MA 2:290; J 1:57.
69
The Sutta recounts him as reflecting, What is I were to meditate on the breathingless meditation? (appaka
jhna jhyeyya). (M 1:36.21/1:243), SD 49.4
28
SD 33.1b
clearly has the non-techical or generic sense of meditation, but is used to refer to a method used in the
Bodhisattvas self-mortification, as described, for example, in the Mah Saccaka Sutta (M 36).
In fact, before the Buddhas time, it is only here, apparently, only in these two places, is the term
jhna associated with a specific meditation technique, that is, the Bodhisattvas first-dhyana experience
under the jambu-tree [5.2], and the stopping of the in-and-out-breath (asssa,passse uparundhi),
which uses the significant verb jhyeyya (What if I were to meditate on the breathingless meditation?
Appaka jhna jhyeyya)this latter, as a part of the Bodhisattvas ascetic practice.70
Arbel hypothesizes that, in the context of the breathingless meditationthat is, the stopping of the
in-and-out-breath (asssa,passse uparundhi) (as recounted in the Mah Saccaka Sutta, M 36), the
verb jhyeyya could have come from the root KAI (or K) (to burn, be consumed), and not from
DHYAI (or DHY) (to think), and therefore the term jhna here, might point to an ascetic practice, in
which the Bodhisatta tried to gain control over the breath; control which burns or consumes past karma... Yet this exertion, this severe practice, caused him to be exhausted, and did not lead him to awakening. (2008:9).
Such an account is also found in the Mahvastu (Mvst 3.149), which relates how a hermits son falls
in love at his first meeting with a beautiful girl. Preoccupied with thoughts of her, he fails in his daily
duties. Noticing this, his father asks, kin71 tuva dhyna dhyyasi, what kind of dhyana are you meditating on? or more simply, what are you thinking about?72 The Pali version of this story is the Nainik
Jtaka (J 526), which instead reads ki nu mandova jhyasi (what are you thinking stupidly about?).73
4.4.1.3 TWO MEANINGS OF JHNA. We can translate the verb jhyati (Skt dhyyati) either generally to
mean he meditates or more specifically to mean he attains dhyana. But we have another pair of possible meanings, as shown in the Mahvastu story and its Jtaka counterpart above, that is, jhyati (Skt
*dhyyati) can either mean he meditates (on) or be thinks about, broods over. A further fifth meaning
is possible, that is, jhyati (Skt kyati), he burns or figuratively, he is consumed (by). All these
meanings (except as dhyana) can apply to the hermits son in the two stories.
In other words, the Buddhist Sanskrit form, dhyna has two senses: from K (to burn) we have the
Sanskrit verb kyati, or the Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit verb *dhyyati, and Pali jhyati (it burns; it is consumed), and from DHYAI or DHY (to think), we have dhyyati, Pali jhyati (he meditates). However,
Edgertons Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Dictionary (BHSD) lists *dhyyati as a starred form, that is, it is a
reconstructed word or a back-formation, and does not really exist.
Arbels hypothesis might well be plausible, but I think there is simpler explanation. The term dhyna
existed in pre-Buddhist times, but it refers to some kind of mystical or self-mortifying meditation, and not
to the jhna of the Buddha. In fact, what Arbel says further here clearly supports my proposition:
It is important to note that only in two contexts the term jhna is associated with this verb,
and in both of them the Buddha refers to a type of jhna he does not recommend. In all other
places, except from this occurrence, the jhnas are mostly associated with description of awakening, and always as a model of four gradual states, in which a person enters (upasampajja) and
abides in (viharati) without any reference to the practice of stopping the breath or other ascetic
practices. That is, the jhnas in the fourfold model are never referred to as appaka jhna.
They are mostly described by an adjective that indicates their number in this modenamely, the
first jhna, the second jhna, the third jhna or the fourth jhna. Sometimes only the first jhna
is described, and then it is also called the first jhna, which indicates again, that it is a part of a
series of states.
(Arbel 2008:9)
70
M 36.31/1:243,5 = SD 29.4.
Basak reads ki here (2004:92,6).
72
Senart 1897:149,2; Mvst:J 3:144.
73
J 526/5:201. For a detailed study of the different versions of this story, see Heinrich Lders 1940b.
71
29
Piya Tan
4.4.1.4 THE DOA BRHMAA SUTTA. An interesting discourse in the Aguttara, called the Doa
Brhmaa Sutta (A 5.192), clearly states that the brahmins before the Buddhas time practised the four
dhyanas. When the brahmin Doa complains to the Buddha that he disrespects the venerable brahmin elders, the Buddha explains to him that there are five kinds of brahmins, everyone of whom lived as a celibate student, that is, under tutelage (komra,brahmacariya) for 48 years, thus:
(1) the brahma-like brahmin (brahma,sama brhmaa), who then renounces the world to practise
the 4 divine abodes,
(2) the deva-like celibate brahmin (deva,sama brhmaa), who then renounces the world to practise the four dhyanas (which are listed by way of the traditional pericopes),
(3) the bounded brahmin (mariyda brhmaa), who keeps to the brahminical code, but does not
meditate,
(4) the bound-breaking brahmin (sambhinna brhmaa), who supports himself only through the
charity of others, but marries any woman for pleasure as well as for progeny, and
(5) the outcaste brahmin (cala brhmaa), who who engages in any kind of work, marries
any woman for pleasure as well as for progeny.
(A 5.192/3:223-230), SD 36.14
It is clear from such internal evidence that meditation, at least from the early Buddhists viewpoint,
that meditation and dhyana were practised and experienced well before the Buddhas time. We need,
therefore, to discover and define the uniqueness of Buddhist dhyana elsewhere.
4.4.2 Dhyana in the Buddhas time
4.4.2.1 As regards the early Buddhist sources, most of the four Nikyasthe Dgha, the Majjhima,
the Sayutta and the Aguttaraalong with much of the Sutta Nipta form the earliest strata, dated
before the rise of the various early Buddhist schools (around 3rd century BCE), for whom these probably
form a common scripture.74 These ancient texts have also been preserved in Chinese translation, called
gama.75
4.4.2.2 It is interesting, as Arbel notes (2008:8), that in these ancient Buddhist texts, the dhyanas are
never associated with Nigaha Ntaputta (most likely Mahvra, the founder of Jainism),76 or with the
jvikas.77 In fact, in the Nigaha Nta,putta Sutta (S 41.8), both Nigaha Ntaputta and Acela (naked ascetic) Kassapa are described as not believing that dhyanas are possible.78 And as we have noted
[3.2], meditation as an organized system did not exist before the Buddhas time.79 Whatever hint of meditation we find in pre-Buddhist India (according to the ancient texts) were sporadic and formative.
4.4.2.3 Furthermore, as Arbel has noted (id), the dhyanas always appear in the Nikyas as being attained by the Buddha and his disciples. This is, as a rule, contrary to accounts of asceticism and meditation done by the Bodhisattva (that is, before the Great Awakening), and which are proclaimed by the Bud74
For a detailed study, see Sujato, A History of Mindfulness, 2005:19-91.

The early sutras, called gama Stras or simply gama (Chin Ahnjng; Jap Agon-bu); see:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C4%80gama_(Buddhism). They are preserved in vols 1-2 (order 1-151) of the 100volume Taish Shinsh Daizky ()(The Taish Revised Tripiaka). See:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taisho_Tripitaka. For the Taisho database: http://21dzk.l.u-tokyo.ac.jp/SAT/index_en.html. Today they are a valuable source for source-critical and comparative studies of the Pali suttas.
76
Johannes Bronkhorst, in The riddle of the Jainas and the jvikas in early Buddhist literature, suggests that
Ntaputta and Mahvra were not the same person (2000:517). He refers to the two Jain sects: The followers of
Prva, who wore clothes, and the followers of Mahvra, who were naked. The latter might have been included in
the category of jvikas, and not the disciples of Nigaha Ntaputta (2000:512). [From Arbels fn]
77
A generic name for sectarian naked ascetics, incl Makkhali Gosla and Praa Kassapa. The term acela or acelaka prob is a general term for a naked ascetic who does not belong to any particular sect. See AL Basham, History
and Doctrines of the jvikas, 1951:107-109.
78
S 41.8/4:298-302 = SD 40a.7. On Jain beliefs, see Upli S (M 56), SD 27.1 (2.1).
79
See Arbel 2008:8 f.
75
30
SD 33.1b
dha to be not conducive to the spiritual quest, such as stated in the Dhamma,cakka Pavattana Sutta (S
56.11) and the Mah Saccaka Sutta (M 36).80 No such declaration is ever made by the Buddha regarding
the 4 dhyanas.
4.4.3 Jhna as meaning meditation.
4.4.3.1 PRE-BUDDHIST DHYANA. From the external accounts and internal evidence of the use of the
term dhyna (P jhna) that we have examined so far, we can safely say that the term and its various forms
were known even before the Buddhas time. As Poussin has proposed in 1917, the Buddha probably borrowed the term (but not the method) from a common store of mystical devices.81
In the Aggaa Sutta (D 27), where the Buddha recounts how in ancient times, people were known
according to their vocations or professions (in the old senses of the words, meaning calling and occupation, respectively). The brahmins, for example, keep away (bhenti) from evil and unwholesome
things; hence, they are called brhmaa (brahmin).82 The Sutta then adds that there were then two kinds
of brahmins: those who meditated (jhyantti kho vseha jhyak) and those who could not meditate (na dnime jhyantti kho vseha ajjhyak).83 The point here is that jhyati and its noun, jhna,
are used here in the sense of meditation in reference to non-Buddhists (here the ancient brahmins).
4.4.3.2 THE 4 DHYANAS. When we closely study the suttas, we will often come across references to
the 4 dhyanas (as taught by the Buddha) either in brief, or fully defined in stock passages, such as these:
BRIEF STATEMENT ON DHYANA
Bhikshus, if a monk should wish, May I become one to obtain at will, without trouble, without difficulty, the four dhyanas, the higher minds, dwelling happily here and now, let him fulfill
moral virtue, be inwardly devoted to mental stillness, not neglect meditation, be possessed of insight, and dwell in empty abodes.84
(kakheyya Sutta, M 6.9/1:33), SD 59.185
Note here that in the phrase not neglect meditation (anirkata-j,jhna), jhna can only mean meditation, otherwise it would sound redundant, as the four dhyanas (catunna jhnna) have already
been mentioned earlier.
STOCK PASSAGE ON THE 4 DHYANAS (From the Smaa,phala Sutta, D 2)
(1) Quite secluded from sensual pleasures, secluded from unwholesome mental states, he
attains and dwells in the first dhyana, accompanied by initial application and sustained application, and with zest and joy born of solitude.86 He permeates and pervades, floods and fills this
very body87 with the zest and joy born of solitude.88
(2) And, furthermore, maharajah, with the stilling of initial application and sustained application, by gaining inner tranquillity and oneness of mind, he attains and dwells in the second
dhyana, free from initial application and sustained application, with zest and joy born of concen80
See, respectively, S 56.11.3/5:420 = SD 1.1 & M 36.20-31/1:242-247 = SD 49.4.

Poussin, The Way to Nirvana, 1917:163.
82
See D 27.22/3:94 = SD 2.19 n (brhmaa).
83
D 27.22/3:94 = SD 2.19. There is a wordplay here: ajjhyaka (from na jhyaka) means one who does not meditate, but it also means reciter (from ajjhyati; cf Skt dhyyika, adhyyin, one who studies or is skilled in the
Vedas; cf also sajjhyati, to rehearse, repeat, study).
84
kakheyya ce bhyikkhave, catunna jhnna bhicetasikna diha,dhamma,sukha,vihrna nikma,lbh assa akicch,lbh akasra,lbh ti, slesvevassa paripra,kr ajjhatta ceto,samatham anuyutto anirkata,j,jhno vipassanya samanngato brhet sugrna.
85
See also Paisallna S (It 2.2.8/39 f), SD 41.4.
86
Born of solitude, viveka,ja; ie it is the result of abandoning the hindrances: on the 3 kinds of solitude, see The
Body in Buddhism, SD 29.6a (1.5). On the omission of one-pointedness of mind (cittassa ekaggat) and concentration (samdhi) here, see The Layman and Dhyana, SD 8.5.
87
Here body (kya) refers to the mental body (nma,kya), ie feeling (vedan), perception (sa), formations (sakhra), and consciousness (via) (Vism 4.175/169).
88
These are the dhyana factors: vitakka vicra pti sukhassa ekaggat, respectively.
81
31
Piya Tan
tration.89 He permeates and pervades, floods and fills this very body with the zest and joy born of
concentration.
(3) And furthermore, maharajah, with the fading away of zest, he dwells equanimous, mindful and clearly knowing, and experiences joy with the body. He attains and dwells in the third
dhyana, of which the noble ones declare, Happily he dwells in equanimity and mindfulness. He
permeates and pervades, floods and fills this very body with the joy free from zest.
(4) And furthermore, maharajah, with the abandoning of joy and pain90and with the earlier
disappearance of pleasure and displeasurehe attains and dwells in the fourth dhyana, that is
neither painful nor pleasant, and with mindfulness fully purified by equanimity. He sits, pervading the body with a pure, bright mind,91 so that there is no part of his entire body that is not pervaded by a pure, bright mind.
(D 2.77+79+81+83/1:73-76), SD 8.1092
4.4.3.3 DHYANA AS MEDITATION AND MEDITATING. Occasionally, we will notice (as in the quote
under Brief Statement on Dhyana above) [4.4.3.2] that the word jhna means simply meditation (that
is, not specifically dhyana as an altered state of consciousness). This is also the case in the Jhna Sayutta (S 34) where, ironically, the word jhna is not mentioned all. Instead, the word samdhi, here
meaning meditation as practice is used. In other words, jhna in the Sayutta title means meditation.93
The Eka Nipta of the Aguttara Nikya has a chapterthe Apara Acchar,sghta Vagga
which lists all the Buddhist meditations and practices (eg the eightfold path),94 beginning with this exhortation:
Bhikshus, if even for just the moment of a finger-snap a monk cultivates (bhveti) the first
dhyana, etc, he is called a monk. His meditation is not in vain (aritta-j,jhno). He acts in accordance with the Teachers teaching. He follows his advice. He does not eat the countrys alms in
vain. How much more so if he were to often cultivate it!95
(A 2.20.2/1:38)
The expression aritta-j,jhna (his meditation is not in vain) applies to all the meditations that do
not lead to dhyana (such as the loathsomeness of food, analysis of the elements, the six recollections, and
recollection on peace), and also practices like the individual limbs of the eightfold path, the five spiritual
89
The 2nd dhyana is known as the noble silence (ariya,tuh,bhva) because within it initial application and sustained thought (thinking and discursion, vitakka,vicra) cease, and with their cessation, speech cannot occur. (S 2:273); cf. S 4:293 where vitakka and vicra are called verbal formation (vac,sakhra), the mental factors responsible for speech. In Ariya,pariyesan S (M 1:161), the Buddha exhorts the monks when assembled to either speak
on the Dharma or observe the noble silence (ie either talk Dharma or meditate). See Dutiya Jhna Paha S (S 40.2/4:263 f), SD 24.12.
90
Joy and pain, sukha,dukkha, refers to the physical feelings. The next phrasepleasure and displeasure, domanassa-somanassarefers to mental feelings, which have been transcended earlier. Mental feelings need to be
overcome first so that the mind is not distracted by itself, as it were. Then, all the other feelings (arising from physical sense-contacts) are transcended. On the significance of this, see Sallatthena S (S 36.6/4:207-210), SD 5.5.
91
See Acchar Vagga (A 1.6.1-2): Monks, this mind is radiant (pabhassara), but it is defiled by defilements
from outside. The ignorant ordinary person does not understand this as it really is. As such, for him there is no personal development. (A 1:10). On reaching the 4 th dhyana, the practitioner becomes directly aware of the truly and
naturally pure nature of the mind. See also A:B 1999 4.
92
Further, see Dhyana, SD 8.4.
93
There is another Jhna Sayutta (S 53) which jhna refers to dhyana. See (S 34.1/3:263 f) + SD 41.12 (1.1).
94
The traditional ref (Chaha Sagayana & World Tipiaka) is A 1.18.1-181 (Aguttara Nikya 1, Ekaka Nipta
18, Apara Accharsaghata Vagga 1-181.
95
Acchar,saghta,mattam pi ce, bhikkhave, bhikkhu pahama jhna bhveti, aya vuccati, bhikkhave
bhikkhu aritta-j,jhno viharati, satthu,ssana,karo ovda,patikaro, amogha raha,pia bhujati. Ko pana vdo
ye na bahul,karont ti (A 2.20/1:38-43).
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SD 33.1b
faculties, and so on. Clearly, jhna here generically means meditation, and not dhyana (that is, as a profoundly blissful altered state of consciousness).
We have already noted above, that in the phrase not neglect meditation (anirkata-j,jhna) as a
verb, an action. Similarly, in this well known passage, the Buddha exhorts us to meditate, thus:
These, bhikshus, are the foot of trees;96 these are empty huts.97 Meditate,98 bhikshus! Be not
heedless! Regret not later! This is our instruction to you.99
4.4.3.4 WRONG DHYANA. In fact, the general rule is that the verbs jhyati (3rd sg indicative), jhyasi
nd
(2 sg imperative), jhyatha (2nd pl imperative), jhayeyya (3rd sg optative), and so on, all refer to the act
of meditating, not necessarily for the attaining of dhyana or abiding in it. In the Gopaka Moggallna
Sutta (M 108), nanda explains to the brahmin Vassa,kra, chief minister of Magadha, that the Blessed
One does not praise all types of dhyana (so bhagav sabba jhna na vaesi). In this case, a person
meditates with his mind troubled by a hindrance (nvaraa)100 but he does not understand it as it really is,
nor the escape from such a hindrance. In this misdirected dhyana, one meditates, over-meditates,
under-meditates, out-meditates (jhyati pajjhyati nijjhyati apajjhyati).101
Here, we clearly see the word jhna as having the general sense of meditation, and the verb jhyati
meaning he meditates. On the other hand, the four dhyanas that the Buddha approves of are, namely,
the first dhyana, the second dhyana, the third dhyana, and the fourth dhyana, are well defined through the
Nikyas (as shown in the Stock Passage on the Four Dhyanas, above). If jhna is here used in a generic
way, it would include dhyana, that is, the four stages of Buddhist jhna, too. Its particular sense should
be teased out from its context.
Thus, Arbel observes,
In all other places, except from this occurrence, the jhnas are mostly associated with description
of awakening, and always as a model of four gradual states, in which a person enters (upasampajja) and abides in (viharati ) without any reference to the practice of stopping the breath or other
ascetic practices. That is, the jhnas in the fourfold model are never referred to as appnaka
jhna.
(2008:8 f)
96
Those are the foot of trees, etni rukkha,mlni. Foot here is usually single, like bottom.
Sometimes rendered as empty place.
98
Meditate! jhyatha, lit cultivate jhna (M 1:45, 118; S 4:133, 4:359, 361, 362, 368, 373; A 3:87, 89, 4:139,
392). Syn bhvetha (2nd pl), cultivate!
99
Etni bhikkhave rukkha,mlni, etni sugrni. Jhyatha bhikkhave, m pamdattha, m pacch vippaisrino. This is stock: Sallekha S (M 44.18/1:45); Dvedh,vitakka S (M 19.27/1:118); (Nava Purna) Kamma
S (S 4:133), SD 4.12; Kya S (S 43.1/4:359), SD 12.21.1, & all suttas in the same Asakhata Sayutta (S 43.244/4:360-373); Yodhjva S 1 (A 5.73.7/3:87), Yodhjva S 2 (A 5.74.7/89), Vinaya,dhara S (A 7.70.4/4:139),
Devat S (A 9.19.4/4:392); cf Mah Palobhana J (J 507). A search for jhyatha in the Sutta Piaka reveals about
70 occurrences.
100
The 5 mental hindrances (paca,nvaraa) are: (1) sensual lust (kma-c,chanda), (2) ill will (vypda), (3)
restlessness and remorse (uddhacca,kukkucca), (4) sloth and torpor (thna,middha), and (5) doubt (vicikicch). For
occurrences, see Mah Assa,pura S (M 39.13/1:274); see also Mah Satipahna S (D 22.13); Satipahna S
(M 10.36) on how to deal with the hindrances during meditation; Smaa,phala S (D 2.68/1:71), SD 8.10 (def of
dhyana with imageries). For discussions, see: (1) Bhvan, SD 15.1 (8.2), (2) Mental Hindrances (SD 32) & (3)
Sagrava S (S 46.55), SD 3.12.
101
M 108.26-27/3:13 f = SD 33.5. In a manner of speaking (pariyyena), we could associate the last 3 terms with
the 3 unwholesome roots: pajjhyati is to meditate consumed by greed (lobha) or lust (rga), nijjhyati is weighed down by hate, and apajjhyati is led astray and way out by delusion. In a negative sense, jhyati here, following the text, is to meditate troubled by the 5 hindrances. I dont think the suttas use these terms technically, but
only in a reiterative and mnemonic sense, simply meaning to meditate troubled by the 5 mental hindrances, which
the first and key should be understood in this context.
97
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Piya Tan
4.4.3.5 THE FALSE INDIVIDUALS DHYANA. The Sappurisa Sutta (M 113) warns us against spiritual
arrogance, that is, priding ourselves in religious learning, practices and attainments. It is interesting that
the Sutta states that even a false person (asappurisa) may be able to attain dhyanas and the formless
attainments, but he would not be able to attain the cessation of perception and feeling.102
This is very significant in our study of dhyana in the Buddhas time. It shows that almost anyone is
capable to attaining dhyana, but not everyone, especially a false person (asappurisa), is capable of gaining liberation from it. Indeed, a false person might try to gain dhyana not for the sake of awakening, but
for priding himself or for religious one-upmanship.
Or, perhaps, the false person could use dhyana for heavenly rebirth, for eternal life in heaven, as
elaborated in two parallel discourses, the (Nn,karaa) Mett Sutta 1 (A 4.152)103 and the (Nn,kara) Puggala Sutta (A 4.123).104 While the former shows how the four divine abode (brahma,vihra)
can bring about heavenly rebirths, the latter shows how dhyanas can do the same, too. But once the heavenly spell is broken, the being falls into a subhuman plane reborn as a hell-being, an animal or a preta.
All this shows that noble as dhyana experience may be, it could be used for baser purposes. Or, perhaps, it might be true that such a person starts off quite rightly with his practice of dhyana, but he lacks
right view. That right view is necessary is clear. As such, when in the (Dasaka) Cetankaraya Sutta
(A 10.2) and the (Ek,dasaka) Cetankaraya Sutta (A 11.2), the Buddha says, It is the nature of
things, bhikshus, that the concentrated will know and see according to reality, 105 in the context of the
nibbid model,106 the concentration here is clearly right concentration (samm samdhi), the one with
right view.107 As such, it is only when dhyana is attained with right view that it brings about full spiritual
benefits. [5]
In summary, we have the following meanings of jhna and its verbs, as used in the Nikyas:
(1) as a general term for meditation (such as the imperative verbs, jhyasi, jhyatha, etc),
(2) as a term referring to any non-Buddhist meditation, especially wrong ones,
(3) as dhyana meditation or mental absorption, found (as a noun) only amongst the Buddhists,
and
(4) as dhyna with right view.
5 Dhyana and awakening

5.1 DHYANA AS RIGHT CONCENTRATION
5.1.1 Let us return to our original question: Did the Buddha discover dhyana or not? We will take a
closer look at some of the internal evidence and summarize our arguments. Why is the Buddhas
discovery of dhyana unique and different from the other teachings and systems? Firstly, as mentioned, the
102
Sa,vedayita,nirodha or nirodha,sampatti, M 113/3:37-45 = SD 23.7. It is listed as the 9th or last stage of as

the 9 progressive abidings (anupubba,vihra), ie the 4 form dhyanas (rpa jhna), the 4 formless dhyanas (arpa
jhna), and the cessation of perception and feeling (D 3:265, 290; A 4:410). See M 43.25/1:296 & Vism 23.51/709;
cf S 22.95/3:143*; Dh 41.
103
A 4.125/2:128 f = SD 33.9.
104
A 4.123/2:129 f = SD 23.8a.
105
Dhammat es bhikkhave ya samhito yath,bhta jnti passati
In this case, the nibbid model begins with our being morally virtuous remorse-free joyful zestful
minded calm in body happy concentrated seeing true reality being revulsed becoming dispassionate, On the nibbid model or formula, see Nibbid, SD 20.1.
107
A 10.2.7/5:3,10 = SD 41.6 & A 11.2.7/5:313,1 = SD 33.3b. This point was conveyed to me by a Sinhala bhikkhu (who requested anonymity), who, during the vassa of 2012 (Perth, Australia), conferred with Brahmavamso
who confirmed that he emphasizes dhyana based on right view and not one lacking it. In his talks, Brahmavamso
mentions Christian monks who are said to have attained dhyana-like states when they surrender their will to the
God, which sounds like giving up the doerthis suggests the possibility of non-Buddhists attaining dhyana, but of
a mundane kind, ie, without right samadhi. On Christian mystic experience (incl dhyana), see Miraculous stories,
SD 27.5b (1.3). On the doer, see SD 17.6 (8.4).
106
34
SD 33.1b
story of the two teachers and the Bodhisattvas attaining of the two highest formless attainments are found
in the earliest Buddha biography (the Ariya Pariyesan Sutta) and repeated verbatim in a number of other
early texts. As such, there is no good reason to reject the authenticity of this story.
5.1.2 Secondly, this ancient sutta account does mention the two attainments. lra himself tells the
Bodhisattva that the level he has attained is the sphere of nothingness (kicayatana), while Uddaka
declares that his father, Rma, had attained the sphere of neither-perception-nor-non-perception (neva,sa,n,sayatana). Besides these two statements, we do not seem to have any other evidence showing that these are actually the formless attainments taught by the Buddha himself. Conversely, there is no
evidence for denying that they are not the same states as those of the Buddhist system. Giving them the
benefit of the doubt, let us accept that the two attainments are similar to those taught by the Buddha.
5.1.3 Thirdly, even if we accept that the two formless spheres taught by the two teachers are similar
to the Buddhist ones, there is an important factor missing from these attainments of the two teachers. The
Cattrsaka Sutta (M 115) tells us that right view (samm dihi) must be present in the dhyana for it to
be right concentration (samm samdhi).108 It is not just a matter of being able to attain dhyana, no matter
how profound, but as stated in the Sagaik,rma Sutta (A 6.68), without purifying view, it is impossible to cultivate right concentration,109 much less to attain nirvana.
5.1.4 As such, ra Klma and Uddaka Rma,putta (or his late father Rma before him), despite
their ability (or claim)110 to attain dhyana, or even the formless attainments, their practices lack right
view. If these practices were endowed with right view, the Bodhisattva would have awakened through any
of these attainments. As such, it is not just a matter of attaining dhyana, but such an attainment must be
attended by right view, too.111 It is useful to reflect on what Sujato has written on this vital point:
Elsewhere it is said that ordinary people attain samadhi (here the four jhanas (A 4.123)112 and
the four divine abidings113), are reborn in the Brahm realms, and after a long period of bliss fall
back into lower realms.114 But noble disciples, after reaching the Brahm realms, attain Nibbana
from there.
The difference is not in the states of samadhi as suchthese are just manifestations of the
mind at peace. The difference is in the views and interpretations, the conceptual wrapping that the
experience in bundled up in. The path must be taken as a whole.
If one starts out with wrong view, ones meditation experiences are likely to simply reinforce
ones preconceptions. If one practises samadhi with the view that ones soul will become immersed in some exalted state of being, well, one will get what one wishes for.
(Sujato, A History of Mindfulness, 2004b: 95 f; 2005b: 137 f; normalized)
5.1.5 In conclusion, we can say that Brahmavamso is right is claiming that the Buddha discovered
dhyana, but we need to qualify this, that is, the Buddha borrowed the term jhna from a common
religious vocabulary. Yet it is something new: it is dhyana with right view [5.2]. The two teachersra
and Rma (Uddakas father)too, must have experienced dhyana, but it is without right view (that is to
say, they still held some self-view or have not really directly seen the nature of non-self).
108
M 117.2-3/3:71 + 35/3:76 = SD 6.10.

A 6.68/3:423 = SD 65.12.
110
See Uddaka S (S 35.103), where the Buddha declares that Uddaka is not awakened but claims to be so (S 35.103/4:83 f).
111
See further Did ra & Rma teach dhyana?: Ariya Pariyesan S (M 26) (4.1).
112
(Nn,kara) Puggala S (A 4.123/2:126-128), SD 23.8a.
113
Eg (Puggal) Mett S 1 (A 4.125/2:128 f).
114
See eg Brahm Nimantanika S (M 49). The Buddha relates to the Brahm Baka how he, from being a 4thdhyana Brahm of Veha-p,phal (Abundant Fruit), passes away from there and is reborn as a 3rd-dhyana Brahm of
Subha,ki (Radiant Glory), and then as a 2nd-dhyana Brahm of bhassar (Streaming Radiance). From there he
is reborn into the present 1st-dhyana world of Mah Brahm. This is in fact a spiritual devolution, a gradual falling
from high places! (M 49.10/1:326-1331), SD 11.7.
109
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Piya Tan
5.1.6 Around the Buddhas time, there was such a religious fervour, with a significantly large number of people practising meditation. It is not hard to stretch our imagination in saying that there were
many others who had experienced dhyanain the sense of transpersonal concentration or samadhi, but
without right view. As such, it is the Buddha who discovers dhyana with right view, which brings about
liberation.115
5.2 THE BUDDHA DISCOVERED DHYANA WITH RIGHT VIEW
5.2.1 In his first public discourse, the Dhamma,cakka Pavattana Sutta (S 56.11), the Buddha
proclaims that the path to liberation must avoid the two extremes of preoccupation with the body, that is,
either indulging in bodily pleasure or in self-mortification. Only in keeping to the middle way (the
eightfold path), can liberation be reached.116
5.2.2 The Mah Saccaka Sutta (M 36) records how, after realizing the mortal danger and utter
futility of self-mortification, the Bodhisattva seeks a middle way to liberation. He recalls that when he is
only 7, against the backdrop of the ploughing festival, sitting under a jambu tree, focussed on his breath,
and attaining the first dhyana [4.4.1]. Reflecting on his meditative bliss on that occasion, he realizes that
he has nothing to fear regarding a pleasure that is wholesome.117 Thus, directing his mind to his breath,
the Bodhisattva attains dhyana, and, through his own effort, gains self-awakening.118
5.2.3 It is important to understand here that dhyana alone would not bring awakening. After all, the
child Bodhisattva has attained the first dhyana under the jambu tree, but does not gain spiritual liberation
[4.4.1]. Although the two early teachersra Klma and Rmaare able to reach even the formless
attainments (meaning that they have mastered the form dhyanas, but without right view), they have not
realized nirvana.
Even after mastering the two highest formless attainments from the two teachers, the Bodhisattva
does not win liberation. So he decides to practise on his own. Using the breath meditation that he is familiar with, the Bodhisattva quickly lets go of all mental hindrances, and gains the four dhyanas. Emerging
from the fourth dhyana, he directs his mind to attain the knowledge of the recollection of his own past
lives (pubbe,nivsnussati,a) during the first watch (10.00-2.00 am) of Vesak Day, 2600 years ago.
5.2.4 Using this rebirth knowledge, the Buddha is able to recall his most spiritually significant past
life, as confirmed by the Ghakra Sutta (M 81), that is, as the monk Joti,pla, a disciple of the immediate past Buddha, Kassapa,119 under whom he would have surely learned the Dharma, especially the teachings of rebirth, karma and non-self. Then the Buddha attains the knowledge of death and rebirth (cutpapta,a) or the divine eye, with which he is able to see how beings fare through numerous lives
according to their karma.
5.2.5 Through recalling his own past lives and those of other beings, he sees a common pattern of
how the three unwholesome roots of greed, hate and delusion, condition our sufferings, and how through
understanding and accepting the universal characteristics of impermanence, unsatisfactoriness and nonself, suffering is overcome and liberation won. All this is confirmed by his recalling the teachings he has
received from Kassapa Buddha.
5.2.6 As right view arises in our Buddha, he is finally able to directly see into true reality, and so
gains the knowledge of the destruction of the influxes (sava-k,khaya a), that is, the drying up the
floods of sense-desires, views, existence and ignorance. With this, he attains self-awakening and spiritual
115
See eg (Nna,kara) Puggala S 1 (A 4.123/2:126-128), SD 23.8a cf (Nn,karaa) Mett S 1 (A 4.125/2:128 f), SD 33.9.
116
S 56.11.3/5:420 = SD 1.1.
117
M 36,21-32/1:236 f = SD 1.12. On the 4 dhyanas as sukhalliknuyoga, devotion of pleasure, see Psdika S
(D 29,23/3:130), SD 40a.6.
118
For a description of the Buddhas awakening, see Ariya Pariyesan S (M 26.18/1:167), SD 1.11, Mah
Sha,nda S (M 12.56-63/1:81-83), SD 1.13, & Mah Saccaka S (M 36.31-44/1:246-249), SD 1.12.
119
M 81.6/2:46 & 81.23/2:54 = SD 49.3. The Buddha,vasa records our Buddha as recalling as the monk Jotipla under the Buddha Kassapa, he illumined the Conquerors teaching (sobhayi Jina,ssana, B 25.15).
36
SD 33.1b
liberation.120 In other words, it is not dhyana alone that liberates the Bodhisattva, but it is the true Dharma
(saddhamma) that makes him Buddha.121 The vital point here is that the dhyana must be right
concentration or right samadhi (samm samdhi), not wrong concentration (micch samdhi).122 Rightsamadhi dhyana, in other words, must be developed along with the other limbs of the noble eightfold
path, especially right view.
5.2.7 In short, the practitioner must realize for himself the nature of non-self (anatt), and the calm
and clear mind arising out of dhyana will facilitate this realization.123 In other words, the Buddha is the
first person to experience dhyana with right view, and so fully self-awaken. In this sense, the Buddha is
the first to discover dhyanajust as other Buddhas before him have done, too.
6 Scholarship, practice and dhyana

6.1 TWO VIEWS ON DHYANA. More has been written and read about meditation, I think, than there
are those who regularly meditate and experience its wholesome benefits. Most books on meditation available today have been written by non-practitioners, many of whom are not Buddhist, or by those who
claim to have meditative experience or have some sort of affinity with Buddhism. Conversely, the writings of avowed practitioners of meditation leading Dharma-centred lives, especially monastics, are assuredly worthwhile reading.
It is interesting to see how the theoretical knowledge and understanding of meditation and dhyana are
presented to us in clearer ways, especially those based on personal experience and confirmed by the Buddhas teachings. For the rest of this paper, I would like to compare the key ideas and teachings, regarding
meditation and dhyana, of two well known meditation teachers of our time, that is, Ven Dr Henepola
Gunaratana Mahathera (a senior Sinhala monk resident in the USA) and Ajahn Brahmavamso (an
English monk of Ajahn Chahs forest tradition resident in Australia).124
For our present purposes, I will confine our discussion mainly to views on dhyana found in Gunaratanas paper, Should we come out of Jhna to practice Vipassan? (2007) and Brahmavamsos teachings.125 What is of special interest here is that their teachings on dhyana seem to contradict each other,
and we will here investigate this interesting problem. We shall also look at the views of a few other teachers and scholars who have shown a special interest in meditation and dhyana. We shall examine Gunaratanas main views, expressed in his paper entitled, Should we come out of Jhna to practice Vipassan?
(2007), namely:
(1) that in a dhyana state, the meditator sees and knows what is going on in his mind (page 1) [6.2];
(2) that the meditator does not become one with the object (page 8) [6.3];
(3) that the mental hindrances return immediately when we are out of dhyana (page 4) [6.4];
(4) that reflecting on the impermanence, unsatisfactoriness and selflessness of these factors (that is,
the dhyana-factors) should be done while they are present (page 10) [6.5].
6.2 WHILE IN DHYANA CAN WE EXAMINE OUR OWN MIND?
6.2.1 The nature of dhyana
120
The 3 knowledges (te,vijj) are listed at M 2.10/1:8, 9.70/1:55; D 33.1.10.58/3:220, 34.1.4.10/3:275; A 3.59/1:166 f, 3.67/1:197-199, 6.63/3:414, 10.102/5:211.; see also Te,vijja S (D 13), SD 1.8 (2.2). For a list of 6 superknowledges & defs, see Smaa,phala S (D 2.89-100/1:77-100), SD 8.10.
121
On the Buddhas respect for the Dharma, see Grava S (S 6.2/1:138-140), SD 12.3.
122
There are numerous refs to micch,samdhi, eg D 3:254; M 1:42, 3:77; S 5:1; A 2:221, 5:212; Nm 1:78; Pm
2:88; Dhs 76; Vbh 373; Kvu 619.
123
See Dhyana, SD 8.4 (3.1) & Pahama Jhna Paha S (S 30.1), SD 24.11 (1), esp (1.3). See also Analayo
2003: 75 f.
124
These two teachers are well known to me, as in late 1967 I spent a stint as novice (smaera) of the Siyam
Nikaya under the tutelage of Bhante H Gunaratana; and I have known Ajahn Brahmavamso, since 1974, when we
met in Wat Srakes, Bangkok, where I acted as his interpreter just before his ordination there, and from whom I learned the forest meditation of Ajahn Chahs lineage.
125
See SD 33.1a biblio for their respective works relevant to our discussion here.
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Piya Tan
6.2.1.1 CAN WE CONTEMPLATE WHILE IN DHYANA? Renowned scholar monk, Bhikkhu Bodhi, in his
note on samatha and vipassana as a twin practice (samatha,vipassan,yuganaddha) in his (Yuganaddha) Paipad Sutta (A 4.170) translation, makes this interesting note:
[The Aguttara commentary] says that each time he [the meditator] attains a meditative
attainment (sampatti), he explores it by way of its conditioned phenomena. And having explored
the conditioned phenomena, he enters the next attainment. Thus, having attained the first jhna,
he emergeds and explores the conditioned phenomena as impermanent, etc. Then he enters the
second jhna, emerges and explores its conditioned phenomena, and so on up to the base of neither-perception-nor-non-perception.
Since, however, yuganaddha means literally yoked together, some interpret the term to
mean that in this mode of practice serenity and insight occur simultaneously. The commentarial
system does not acknowledge this possibility but several suttas might be read as suggesting that
insight can occur within the jhna and does not require the meditator to emerge before beginning
contemplation. [The suttas are then listed as A 9.36, M 52 and M 64.]
(A:B 1707 n861)126
The suttas mentioned by Bodhi are as follows:
Ahaka,ngara Sutta
Mah Mluky,putta S
(sava-k,khaya) Jhna Sutta
M 52.4-14/1:350-352
M 64.9-15/1:435-437
A 9.36/4:422-426
SD 41.2
SD 21.10
SD 33.8
In all these key suttas, the meditation passages each describe of the relevant attainment, and then
immediately follows the contemplation by the meditator. This passage, from the Ahaka,ngara Sutta,
on the first dhyana, with the proper changes changes (mutatis mutandis), applies to other attainments,
thus:
Here, houselord, quite secluded from sense-desires, secluded from unwholesome mental
states, a monk enters and dwells in the first dhyana, accompanied by initial application and sustained application, accompanied by zest and happiness, born of seclusion.
He considers thus:
Even this first dhyana is (mentally) constructed, intentionally formed. What is constructed
and intentionally formed is impermanent, subject to ending.
(M 52.4/1:350), SD 41.2
Such passages have also been construed by Gunaratana that the meditator need not emerge from teh
dhyana to contemplate on the mental state [6.2.2], where we discuss in greater detail why the meditator
does emerge from such a state before he is able to contemplate on anything at all. Suffice it here to state a
few key ideas and textual references, which will be elaborated below [6.2.2].
Firstly, such passages from the suttas quoted above (M 52, M 64 and A 9.36) are those whose import
(attha) needs to be drawn out (neyyttha). In other words, not everything (especially the obvious) is stated:127 the suttas quoted do not mention the need to emerge from such attainments because it is such an
obvious fact from personal experience: we do really think when we are enjoying profound bliss or in a
rapturous state, what more in dhyana and the attainments.
Secondly, experienced meditation teachers, as a rule, teach their students to review their meditation
practice, as soon as they have emerged form their meditation. Only during such a reviewing do we really
know (in conceptual and language terms) the kind of samadhi or dhyana we have experienced. Such a reviewing also helps us to gauge, discipline and improve our practice.128
126
See SD 41.6 (4.2).

See Neyyattha Ntattha S (A 2.3.5-6), SD 2.6n.
128
On the practice of review, see Anpna,sati S (M 118.21/3:83) n, SD 7.13 + SD 33.13 (3) Dhyana and the
review sign.
127
38
SD 33.1b
Thirdly, we have suttas that do, in fact, mention that we need to emerge from such attainments before
we can contemplate on them. Such suttas include the following:
Method of cultivating
Mah Vaccha,gotta Sutta M 73.18-19/1:494 calm and insight
SD 27.4
Kya,gata,sati Sutta
M 119.29 f/3:96 f mindfulness regarding the body
SD 12.21
Pasu,dhovaka Sutta
A 3.100a.4/1:254 peaceful and sublime concentration SD 19.11
(Nvaraa) Upakkilesa S A 5.23/3:16-19
the mind of free from the hindrances
SD 74.3
Iddhi,pda Sutta 2
A 5.68/3:82 f
the 5 bases of spiritual power
SD 51.11
In such suttas, it is stated that after the mind is properly calmed and clarified (usually dhyana), we
direct (abhininnmeti)129 our mind to spiritual or higher knowledge (such as psychic power or awakening
itself) [6.4.2].
Furthermore, in the Anupada Sutta (M 111), Sriputta recounts his formless attainment of neitherperception-nor-non-perception and of the cessation of perception and feeling, for example, stating that the
meditator emerges mindful (sato) from that attainment (so tya sampattiy sato vuhahati), and then
reflects on its impermanence130 [6.2.3.6].
Fourthly, there are numerous stories of meditators deep in dhyana or attainment meeting with external
incidents or exigencies of which they are totally unaffected. Such accounts include the following:
Mahparinibbna S
Mahparinibbna S
Juh Sutta
Sm,vat Vatthu
D 16.4
D 16.4
U 4.4
DhA 1:224 f
ras meditation unaffected by 500 passing carts

The Buddhas meditation undisturbed by thunders
An airborne yaksha strikes Sriputta on his head
A meditating pratyeka-buddha could not be burned
SD 9
SD 9
SD 24.9
SD 39.1 (2.1)
Fifthly, Buddhaghosa, in his Visuddhi,magga, too, makes the same note that we need to emerge from
dhyana before we can reflect on it:
After emerging from the dhyana, he would also feel joy, since his physical body (rpa,kya)
would have been touched [affected] by the profoundly subtle matter arising from that joy associated with the mental body.131 As such, it is to point this out that the words he feels joy with the
body are said.
(Vism 4.175/163)
Dhyana is full mental joy, transcorporeal bliss, truly out-of-body experience, in the sense that all the
physical sense-faculties are completely suspended. It is a sense-deprived mind in the full sense of the
word. Yet the mind is functional in the sense that it is fully experiencing itself, like two mirrors fully facing each other. Such a mind only knows pure bliss.132
6.2.1.2 THE MIND KNOWING ITSELF. Before we go on, we should have some idea of the nature of the
dhyanas. The numerous passages in the early Buddhist texts describe that dhyana arises with the abandon-
129
Abhininnmeti (BHS abhi-nir-mayati) to bend or stretch out (acc), to direct (towards: dat/gen), caus of
abhi + nir + NAM, to bend, bow. See D 1:76,15-32, 79,9 Pm 1:112,28; D 1:79,28 = 80,22 Pm 1:113,15; D
1:77,9-24, 78,24 Pm 1:111,22; D 1:81,12 = 82,5 = M 1:182,21 = 278,8 = 347,26 = 412,33 = 441,33 = 522,9 = II
38,18 Pug 60,3 Pm 1:114,14; D 1:82,25 = 83,13 = M 1:183,3 = 278,34 = 348,5 = 413,3 = 442,4 = 522,16-2:38,25 Pug 60,18 Pm 1:115,8, cf Vism 423,11 f; D 1:83,36 = 84,23 = M 1:183,25-279,21 = 348,29 = 413,9 = 444,12-522,23 = 2:38,34 Pug 60,36 (PugA); V 1:254,33 = M III 96,18 f; pot 3 sg ~eyya, S 1:123,25 = M 1:234,13; aor
3 sg ~esi, S 4:178,11; 1 sg ~esi, 3:4,20 = M 1:22,11 (MA = VA) = 248,1; V 3:4,38 = M 1:22,29 = 248,21 (cf
Vism 423,11 f); V 3:5,22 = M 1:23,13 (MA = VA) = 249,6 = V 3:93,1; fut 3 sg ~essati, S 4:178,1. For detail, see
CPD & DPL sv.
130
M 111.18-20/3:28 = SD 56.4.
131
On consciousness-born materiality, see Vism 20.30-34/615 f.
132
See SD 41.5 (4.2).
39
Piya Tan
ing of all mental hindrances,133 that is, when the five physical sense-doors have been closed, revealing
only the mind. In this way, we are experiencing the mind directly: we are the mind.
THE 1ST DHYANA. Free from the mental hindrances, the practitioner goes on to attain the first dhyana. A rudimentary thought-process still lingers in the first dhyana, but this is directed to the meditation
object and anchored therethis is known respectively as initial application (vitakka) and sustained
application (vicra). With this mental focus, there arise zest (pti) and bliss (sukha) born of solitude
(viveka,ja).134 The Pohapda Sutta (D 9) describes this experience thus:
Quite secluded from sensual pleasures, secluded from unwholesome mental states,
the monk enters and dwells in the first dhyana,
accompanied by initial application and sustained application,
accompanied by zest and happiness, born of solitude.135
And if he has any previous sense-desires, it disappears.136
At that time, there arises a subtle but real perception137 of zest and joy born of seclusion,138
and he becomes conscious of this zest and joy at that very moment.139 (D 9,10.3/1:182), SD 7.14
6.2.1.3 HOW DHYANA IS KNOWN. The language of the last can easily be misinterpreted by a scholar, especially a non-meditator. The meditator knows the state, but not as external object: we do not
cognize it as we do in our normal waking lives. It is not possible for us to be aware of such a state
cognitively, as all the physical senses have shut down and there is not perceiving of any external sense-objects (including mind-objects).
This is purely a mental experience. In a sense, it is like a dream (since all physical senses
have shut down and there are no external sense-objects). This is only fully known (cognized as a
mind-object) by way of review-knowledge, that is, after the fact.
The Sutta uses similar language to describe the arising of the other three dhyanas, so that we become
conscious (sa...hoti) of the deepening bliss. These dhyanic experiences are known or enjoyed as
they arise, but cognized only after the fact, especially during reviewing. There might be chance cases
where a person might experience dhyana and not even know it. However, with proper instructions from
an experienced meditation teacher or with a proper understanding the the suttas, such an experience may
be identified in due course. Such occurrences however are not so common.140 [6.4.1.2]
THE 2ND DHYANA. When the mind is aware of itself, there is no more need of even the subtlest thought
(which would be like a speck of dust on the lens of a giant telescope). At this stage, the mind continues to
133
The 5 mental hindrances (paca,nvaraa) are: (1) sensual lust (kma-c,chanda), (2) ill will (vypda), (3)
restlessness and remorse (uddhacca,kukkucca), (4) sloth and torpor (thna,middha), and (5) doubt (vicikicch): see
above (3.3.2) n.
134
Ie mental solitude, a mind free from the 5 hindrances. On the 3 kinds of solitude, see The body in Buddhism,
SD 29.6a (1.5). On def of the 4 dhyanas (with images), see Smaa,phala S (D 2.77-84/1:73-76), SD 8.10.
135
On the omission of one-pointedness of mind (cittassa ekaggat) and concentration (samdhi) here, see
The laity and dhyana = SD 8 (2005).
136
Tassa y purim kma,sa s nirujjhati, lit And any previous sense desire of his disappears.
137
Comy explains a subtle but real perception, sukhuma,sacca,sa, as vivekajehi pti,sukhehi sampayutta,
conjoined with zest and joy born of seclusion (DA 2:372). This is a stock description of the1st dhyana with the
additional phrase, sukhuma,sacca,sa. Sukhuma, meaning subtle, here refers to the form dhyana, while its opp
orika, gross refers to the consciousness of the sense-world. On the usage of sacca here, see Harvey 1995:24 f.
On viveka, see Gethin 2001:166-168.
138
Samdhi,pti,sukha,sukhuma,sacca,sa tasmi samaye hoti.
139
Samdhi.ja,pti,sukha,sukhuma,sacca,sa yeva tasmi samaye hoti.
140
Further see Pohapda S (D 9) which speaks of the dangers of mental activity, esp thinking and planning,
which makes us lose our dhyana and attainments (D 9,17/1:184), SD 7.14.
40
SD 33.1b
enjoy zest and bliss, free from all thinking (which also means free from all knowing). This is the experience of a full concentrated mind that is born of concentration (samdhi,ja), that is, the second dhyana.
This is where the meditator is simply blissed out with the sweet duo of zest and joy (pti,sukha). Their
combined effect is that of euphoria, more blissful than anything we can physically know.
THE 3RD DHYANA. In due course, the dhyana attainer feels that there is a coarse or gross (oarika)
aspect of this bliss, and that is zest.141 When the coarseness of zest is felt, it simply fades away, leaving
only joy (sukha), which is much more refined and serene. This is the third dhyana. It is clear from such
experiences that dhyanic bliss arises from letting go any any attachment to it: it is truly the bliss of renunciation.
THE 4TH DHYANA. In the fourth dhyana, feeling that joy (sukha) is coarse, the meditator simply lets
it go. The mind is now enjoying a rock-like stillness. There is a complete lack of access to the world of
the physical senses and the body itself. The physical body has totally shut down, as it were. The meditator
in the fourth dhyana is effectively only a mental being so that there is no part of his entire body that is
not pervaded by pure, bright mind.142 The entire body clearly refers to his mental body because his
physical body has completely shut down.143
6.2.1.4 Brahmavamsos description on the mind in dhyana is helpful here:
Even though there is no comprehension within any jhna, one is certainly not in a trance.
Ones mindfulness is greatly increased to a level of sharpness that is truly incredible. One is
immensely aware. Only mindfulness doesnt move. It is frozen. And the stillness of the superpower mindfulness, the perfect one-pointedness of awareness, makes the jhna experience completely different from anything one has known before. This is not unconsciousness. It is non-dual
consciousness. All it can know is one thing, and that is timeless bliss that doesnt move.
(2006:153) [6.4.4]
In short, we do know, or more correctly, feel, the bliss and clarity of the mind in dhyana, but it is well beyond our everyday knowing of feeling. It might be said to be a kind of transcendental awareness.
6.2.2 Dhyana is beyond words and thought
6.2.2.1 THE PRESENT TENSE IN PALI. Gunaratana holds the view that a meditator in a dhyana state
sees and knows what is going on in his mind (2007:1). He quotes the Mah Skuludyi Sutta (M
77), saying,
The Mahsakuludyi Sutta clearly expresses that the meditator, even in very refined states of
Jhna, sees and knows what is going on in his mind. The verbs are used in the present tense not
in the past tense... If he were to see and know these things after emerging from meditation the
Sutta would have used the past tense.
(Gunaratana 2007:1)
Firstly, let me address the issue of the present tense as used in the Pali suttas, which is entirely different from the way we use it in English (as in many other languages, too). A K Warder, in his Introduction
to Pali, is instructive:
The present (vattamna) tense (lakra) is used to express present (paccuppanna) time (kla), the
limits of which are somewhat vague, or indefinite time (timeless statements such as eternal
truths), sometimes the immediate future (which may include a shade of imperative sense; cf
English Im going) and sometimes the past (historic present). It is used to express the duration of an action until, a fixed future time (a vivid future visualized at present) when, and in
certain other constructions.
(1963; 2nd ed 1974:12 f)
141
Interestingly, the idea that thinking must go on even during dhyana is an ancient view (a wrong view, that is),
one held by the Jain teacher, Nirgrantha Nta,putta: see Nigaha Nta,putta S (S 41.8/4:298-300), SD 40a.7.
142
See eg Smaa,phala S (D2.84/1:75), SD 8.10.
143
See Brahmavamso 2006:153-168.
41
Piya Tan
Now, in the light of what Warder has clarified regarding the present tense in the Pali suttas, let us examine the passage that Gunaratana refers to. It is actually a four-dhyana stock passage, and is identical
with the four passages quoted above [4.4.3]. We shall look only at the passage on the first dhyana, as it is
sufficient for our present purposes:
STOCK PASSAGE ON THE 1ST DHYANA (From the Mah Sakuludyi Sutta, M 77)
Again, Udyi, I have proclaimed to my disciples the way my disciples cultivate the four
dhyanas.
Here, Udyi, quite secluded from sensual pleasures, secluded from unwholesome mental
states, he attains and dwells in the first dhyana, accompanied by initial application and sustained
application, and with zest and joy born of solitude. He permeates and pervades, floods and fills
this very body with the zest and joy born of solitude.
Puna capara, udyi, akkht may svakna paipad, yath,paipann me svak cattri jhnni bhventi.
Idhudyi, bhikkhu vivicceva kmehi vivicca akusalehi dhammehi sa,vitakka sa,vicra
viveka,ja pti,sukha pahama jhna upasampajja viharati. So imam eva kya viveka,jena
pti,sukhena abhisandeti parisandeti paripreti parippharati, nssa kici sabbvato kyassa viveka,jena pti,sukhena apphua hoti.
(M 77.25/2:15), SD 49.5
The present-tense verbs found in the above passage (other than the inherent verb, such as hoti, it
is), are as follows: (they) cultivate (bhventi), he attains and dwells (upasampajja viharati), and (it)
permeate and pervade, floods and fills (abhisandeti parisandeti paripreti parippharati). All we can
rightly say here is that the Buddha is reporting how his earlier disciples have practised meditation to attain
dhyana, and as such what his audience, the present disciples, should do, too. The present tense is simply
to evoke the historical or narrative present to reflect the timeless efficacy and truth of these teachings.
Let us examine a few more related passages.
6.2.2.2 THE FOURTH DHYANA AND THE THREE KNOWLEDGES. Gunaratana further holds that we have
no reason to believe that he came out of Jhna to develop the three kinds of knowledgeknowledge of
seeing the past, knowledge of seeing beings dying and taking rebirth, and knowledge of the destruction of
defilements. The Buddha used the fourth Jhna for Vipassan (2007:1). And he adds:
It is virtually impossible to find evidence in the Suttas that one should come out of Jhna to
practice Vipassan. There are a number of passages repeated in many Suttas dealing with the four
fine material Jhnas [rpa jhna]. Nowhere in any of these passages is it said that one should
come out of Jhna to gain the three kinds of knowledgeknowledge of seeing previous lives,
knowledge of beings dying and taking rebirth according to their kammas, and knowledge of the
destruction of defilements.
(Gunaratana 2007:1 f; emphasis added)
Gunaratana refers to the Mah Skuludyi Sutta (M 77) but there is no such allusion in those passages relating to dhyana and the three knowledges, as in all such passages the Buddha begins by reporting,
Again, Udyi, I have proclaimed to my disciples... [6.2.2.1] followed by the eight kinds of superknowledges that, in the Smaa,phala Sutta (D 2) are designated as the higher fruits of recluseship.144
However, the following stock passage from the Bhaya Bherava Sutta (M 4) and the Mah Saccaka
Sutta (M 36) would reflect Gunaratanas view that we have no reason to believe that he came out of
Jhna to develop the three kinds of knowledge.
STOCK PASSAGE ON THE 1ST SUPERKNOWLEDGE
144
42
See, respectively, M 77.29-36/2:17-22 = SD 49.5 & D 2.87-100/1:76-85 = SD 8.10.
SD 33.1b
38 (1) When his [my] concentrated mind was thus purified, bright, unblemished, rid of imperfection, malleable, wieldy, steady and attained to unshakable steadiness, he [I] directed it to
the knowledge of the recollection of past lives.145 He recollects his [I recollect my] manifold
past lives,...
So eva samhite citte parisuddhe pariyodte anagae vigatpakkilese mudu,bhte kammaniye hite neja-p,patte pubbe,nivsnussati,ya citta abhininnmesi. So aneka,vihita
pubbe,nivsa anussarmi...
(M 4.27/1:22 = SD 44.3) = (M 36.38/1:248 f = SD 49.4)
Firstly, note that although the key verb anussarmi (I recollect) is in the present tense, it would
have just the same sense if it were rendered into the past tense as I recollectedas in all the major
English translations we have.146 In fact, it makes better sense to use the past sense for at least two important reasons: (1) the Buddha was reporting this past event but as an instruction; and (2) the verb abhininnmesi (he directed (it)) is in the past tense.147 The point here is that in the case of Dharma-teaching
(especially instructions regarding meditation and practice), no matter what the tenses are, it should be
generally understood in the historical or narrative present to reflect the timelessness of the Dharma.148
6.2.3 The Anupada Sutta (M 111)
6.2.3.1 One of the major discourses that Gunaratana uses to support his notion that there is no suggestion at all that the meditator should leave the fourth Jhna [or any dhyana] to attain these understandings, is the Anupada Sutta (M 111).149 He quotes that
This is the state of mind the Buddha ascribes to Venerable Sriputta in Anupada Sutta.
And the states in the fourth Jhnathe equanimity, the neither-painful-nor pleasant feeling,
the mental unconcern due to tranquillity, the purity of mindfulness, and the unification of mind;
the contact, feeling, perception, volition, and the mind; zeal, decision, energy, mindfulness, equanimity and attentionknown to him those state arose, known they were present, known they disappeared. [M 111.10/2:26]
(2007:12)150
Elsewhere, Gunaratana notes, regarding the above passage, that significantly, the name of this Sutta,
Anupada, means uninterrupted. Ven Sriputta not only saw the mental factors in each Jhna by turn, he
did it without leaving the Jhnic state. His Jhna was uninterrupted. (2007:17; highlights added). By
uninterrupted here, Gunaratana clearly refers to anupada, following the Pali-English Dictionary (PED),
where we find the explanation of the phrase, anupada,dhamma,vipassan (Anupada Sutta, M 3:25,11) as
uninterrupted contemplation.
6.2.3.2 The Anupada Sutta Commentary explains the phrase, anupada,dhamma,vipassan, as he
has insight into these states in succession [immediately after, anupaipiy] by virtue of an attainment
145
This knowledge is detailed at Vism 13.13-71/411-423.

I B Horner (1954) (M:H 28); Nyanamoli & Bodhi, 1995, 2001 (M:B 105); Thanissaro (2009), online ed:
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.004.than.html. Of the modern translations, apparently only Piya Tan
has rendered anussarmi (which follows) in the present tense, I recollect, following the Pali, to reflect the historical or narrative present or timelessness of a Dharma teaching: see SD 49.4 and elsewhere. We have no good reason to
say that, on account of the present tense used in some of the dhyana and abhi pericopes, that the Buddha or meditator does not come out of dhyana to cultivate insight. See further below.
147
Pres 3 sg abhi-ninnmeti, caus of abhi + nir NAM (to bend, bow), to bend or stretch out (acc), to direct (towards, dat, gen): CPD sv. Interestingly, the same passage in Smaa,phala S (D 2) uses abhininnmeti (he directs (his mind)) (D 2.95/1:81), SD 8.10.
148
In historical cases, such as the narrative of the two teachers, as given in Ariya Pariyesan S (M 26), the past
tense used in reference to the late teacher Rma (father of Uddaka) is very significant, as it states the fact he was
already dead, while ra was still living: see M 26.15-17/1:163-167 + SD 1.11 (4.2).
149
M 111/3:25-29 = SD 56.4.
150
Although Gunaratana rightly mentions Anupada S (M 111) in his text, he miscites this as M #52, Ahakangara Sutta in his endnote.
146
43
Piya Tan
or by virtue of a dhyana-factor; thus he [Sriputta] attained arhathood in a fortnight.151 The translation

uninterruptedly hardly fits the context here.
Furthermore, the Critical Pali Dictionary (CPD) defines anupaipi as regular order, succession.
So we can take anupaipiy as meaning, in a regular order, successively, immediately after. In fact,
such an interpretation harmonizes with how the contemplative forest monks describe their own experiences of dhyana.152
6.2.3.3 Gunaratana, basing his arguments on the Pali texts and his PhD research, goes on to say of
Sriputtas insight into the various progressive abodes (the dhyana and attainments), as follows:
Venerable Sriputta knew them when they were present, when they arose and when they disappeared. He was fully mindful of it when any mental state was present. He was completely aware
while he was going through these Jhnic states, even though he had not yet attained enlightenment.
(Gunaratana 2007:12)
`This is Gunaratanas paraphrase of the Anupada Sutta passage which reads: Tyssa dhamm anupada,vavatthit honti. Tyssa dhamm vidit uppajjanti, vidit upahahanti, vidit abbhattha gacchanti,
which moli and Bodhi translate as These states [the dhyana and attainment factors]153 were defined
by him one by one (anupada,vavatthit) as they occurred; known to him those states arose, known they
were present, known they disappeared. (M:B 899; highlights added).
This translation seems to support Gunaratanas view, but the translation is problematic, to say the
least, due to the difficulty with the key phrase anupada,vavatthit. CPD defines it as individually set up
or fixed (alluding to the Commentary). We already have an idea of the meaning of anupada (see above).
The word vavatthita means fixed, arranged, appointed (Childers DPL), or entered on, arranged, fixed,
determined, settled (M 3:25; DhsA 36) (PED). From this, we can also safely accept the translation defined, as amoli and Bodhi have done. So far so good.
6.2.3.4 There is a problem, however, with the phrase as they occurred, which is amoli and
Bodhis rendition of anupada in anupada,vavatthit honti. This is reading too much into the Pali word or
phrase, and is not attested in any Commentarial gloss or any Pali dictionary. More significantly, it can be
safely said that this translation would not be accepted by the dhyana-attainers themselves (or, even serious
sutta students). Let me propose a different translation dor this key passage, from a more experiential
angle, thus:
These states [the factors or nature of each dhyana and attainment] were established in him in succession (after they have occurred) (anupada,vavatthit): it is known to him that those states arise;
it is known to him that these states are present; it is known to him that these states disappear.
(M 111.4/3:25), SD 56.4
]
Notice what is not said here: it is not said that he knows that those states arise; he knows that these
states are present; he knows that these states disappear. But it is in the present perfect or past participle,
reflecting after the fact, outside of dhyana, it is known to him... or having known... There is a hint of a
151
Anupada,dhamma,vipassanan ti sampatti,vasena v jhnaga,vasena v anupaipiy dhamma,vipassana vipassati, eva vipassanto addha,msena arahatta patto (MA 4:86).
152
See eg Brahmavamso 2006:99, 154.
153
That is, the initial application, sustained application, zest, joy, and oneness of mind; the contact, feeling, perception, volition, and the mind; the zeal, decision, energy, mindfulness, equanimity, and attention (vitakko ca vicro ca pti ca sukha ca cittekaggat ca, phasso vedan sa cetan citta chando adhimokkho vriya sati
upekkh manasikro). These factors lessen progressively through the dhyanas up to the 3 rd formless sphere.
44
SD 33.1b
mystical experience here: the dhyana-attainer knows only through reviewing (paccavekkhaa) that these
states arise, are present, and pass away. They are profoundly blissful, but they all change, too.154
6.2.3.5 We need to have a proper understanding about how the Anupada Sutta (M 111) describes
our knowing or reviewing of each of the 9 progressive abodes,155 that is, the 4 dhyanas, the 4 attainments and the cessation. Except for the last two stagesthat is, the 4 dhyanas and the first 3 attainmentsSriputta says that, having experienced each of them, these states were analysed by him one
after another: those states arose, known to him; they were present, known to him; they disappeared,
known to him (tyssa dhamm anupada,vavatthit honti;tyssa dhamm vidit uppajjanti, vidit upahahanti, vidit abbhattha gacchanti).156
Note that vidita, he has/had known, having known, is the present/past participle of vindati, he
knows. The meditator only knows (vindati)not understands (pajnti)157here he only knows
after the fact. That is to say, there is first the arising, the presence (duration), passing away of each of the
meditative states; then the meditator knows, not intellectually but directly (like watching a sunset).
Furthermore, the meditator has no choice but to know the truth and beauty of the rise, stay and fall
of such blissful mental events. There is no willful act of emerging for the dhyana meditator: if we are
determined and skilled enough, we can determine at the start of his meditation how long we are going to
stay within dhyana (sort of setting our body-mind clock).158 On such an emerging from the dhyana, we are
still deeply engrossed in profound dhyanic bliss, except that we are conscious of the immediate mental
state. With training, we would then be able to review such states as being impermanent and so on.159
6.2.3.6 On the other hand, in the Anupada Sutta account of the formless attainment of neither-perception-nor-non-perception and of the cessation of perception and feeling, it clearly states that the meditator
emerges mindful (sato) from that attainment (so tya sampattiy sato vuhahati), and then reflects on
its impermanence.160 These two states are so profoundly subtle that only those with great meditative powers and skill can attain them. In the case of cessation, only the Buddha and arhats can attain it.161
The minds of such great meditators are clear and alert, so that they are said to emerge mindful
(sato). In the previous meditation states, the meditator, especially if they are still unawakened, would
need a bit of time to adjust back to the returning sense-processes. Even then, the mind at this stage is so
clear that it is inclined to remain so, so that to have any thought at all would be like thundering in a clear
blue calm sky. In due course, with proper training in mindfulness and wisdom, the meditator is able to
direct his mind to the reflection on impermanence and so on. Once this begins, it only gets easier and
more profound with sustained effort, in due course breaking through into some level of awakening.162
6.2.3.7 Being in dhyana is like being in the thick of an existential love affair: we are lost in its bliss.
It is like listening to a beautiful piece of symphony or music: we neither think nor speak; we only listen
and feel, we simply enjoy. Indeed, we can only really and fully enjoy something when it is uninterrupted
or adulterated by words or thoughts. Dhyana, in other words, is a deepening silent stillness that is blissful
154
See Dhyana, SD 8.4 (6.0); Bhvan, SD 15.1 (8.5). This special ability is known as mastering review (paccavekkhaa,vas): discerning the dhyana factors after emerging from it: see (Samdhy-aga) Pacagika S (A
5.28.10/3:27) + SD 33.13 (3) & Bhvan, SD 15.1 (8.6.2).
155
See (sava-k,khaya) Jhna S (A 9.36/4:422-426), SD 33.8.
156
See Anupada S (M 111.4+6+8+10+12+14+10/3:25-28), SD 56.4.
157
On the different words for knowing, see SD 17.1b (1.3) & SID: jnti.
158
Normally, we will emerge from a dhyana only when all the fuel of contentment is used up. From the suttas,
evidently, the longest period for each dhyanic sitting is a week. See eg the account of the 7 weeks after the awakening: SD 26.1(5).
159
See eg Ahaka,ngara S (M 52.4/1:351), SD 41.2. More detailed version at Mah Mluky,putta S (M 64.9/1:435 f. On the importance of reviewing our dhyana experience, see Bhvan @ SD 15.1 (8.6.3).
160
M 111.18-20/3:28 = SD 56.4.
161
On the cessation of feeling and perception (sa,vedayita,nirodha), see See Mah Vedalla S (M 43.25/1:296), SD 30.2 (4) & Ca Vedalla S (M 44.16-21/1:301 f), SD 40a.9 (2.5); also Animitta Ceto,samdhi Paha S
(S 40.8/4:268 f), SD 24.19..
162
On the practice of review, see Anpna,sati S (M 118.21/3:83) n, SD 7.13.
45
Piya Tan
beyond words and ideas. Only after the fact, do we take stock of what really has happened. We neither
count nor define the blissful moments: we simply enjoy them, and celebrate them thereafter.
Even on a mundane level of deep inspiration, such as immediately after a profoundly blissfully focussed moment, we feel infused with a great desire and power to express ourselves in music, art, poetry or
writing, or simply solve some problem. However, we try to paint or pen this inspiration, to express it,
there is quite a lot to do, but it seemed only a mere moment in our inspiration. Dhyana is deeper than this.
6.3 ON A MEDITATORS BECOMING ONE WITH THE OBJECT
6.3.1 Gunaratana, following the commentarial tradition, especially the Visuddhi,magga, gives some
very helpful advice on how to focus on our meditation object.163 He reminds us that the meditator does
not become one with the object, adding that
When we attain any Jhna, we dont become one with the meditation object. Meditation objects are like launching pads. We use them to train the mind to gain right concentration, which, as
we have seen already, is one-pointedness of mind, not one-pointedness of the meditation object.
We use an object to start the meditation practice. Then, as the mind gets subtler and the mind becomes sharper, it leaves the meditation object behind and remembers the image of the object. We
then focus the mind on the memorized image. As the hindrances are suppressed, the memorized
image is replaced with a bright light. The mind shifts its focus to the bright light. From that point
onward the object of the mind is this bright light.
(Gunaratana 2007:8)
6.3.2 This is, in fact, a summary of excerpts from Buddhaghosas chapter 4 of his Visuddhi,magga
(Vism 119-169). In other words, it is a scholastic note, which is understandable, as Gunaratana is an accomplished scholar of meditation, as attested by his PhD dissertation, A Critical Analysis of the Jhanas in
Theravada Buddhist Meditation (Washington, DC: American University, 1980). His approach is theoretical,
based mostly on the Visuddhi,magga.
On a scholarly level, Gunaratanas theories are perfectly acceptable, as they are his own interpretations
of the texts. However, on an experiential level of meditation, the spiritural texts often take on a new dimension of meaning. It is like reading great poetry: we know syntactically (from the words and grammar) what
the text says, but semantically and spiritually, we need some level of meditative stillness and clarity, as it
were, to add the living flesh and blood to the dry bones of theory and textuality.
6.3.3 Let us return to our examination of the above passage. The expression to become one with the
object is often used by meditation teachers as a figure for fully focussing on the meditation object, usually the breath. The way I teach breath meditation to beginners is to instruct them to first count their
breaths, if it helps.164 Beginners are often taught to start off with some sort of mental verbalization or
subverbalization (like watching the breath as in and out).
As we progress, we would naturally find the verbalization becoming a distraction, that is, it seems
to become gross (olarika) [6.2.1]. This is when we simply watch the breath directly, knowing that it is
coming in, knowing that it is going out, and so on. Often, it is this stage that is meant by the expression,
becoming one with the breath.165
6.3.4 A rule of thumb in meditation is that we should never to quarrel with our meditation teacher. He
is like a cook who has his own way of cooking and specializes in a particular type of dish. At first, depending on our taste, we should faithfully follow the teachers meditation instructions, and questioning
163
See eg Vism ch 4/119-169, which elaborates on what is quoted here.

Counting itself is not a meditation, but help to clear away initial distractions. Even then, it might not work for
some people. See Vism 8.145-243/266-293. For a comprehensive contemporary exposition by Ven Nauyane Ariyadhamma Mahathera, see http://www.vipassana.com/meditation/anapanasati_meditation_on_breathing.php.
165
See Samadhi (SD 33.1a) on directed meditation, SD 33.1a(2.1.2), and undirected meditation, SD 33.1a(2.1.3). See also 6.4.2-3.
164
46
SD 33.1b
him as appropriate. If we feel a good sense of inner stillness in our meditation, it means that we are making some progress.166 Then we should keep up our personal practice with this nascent joy.
6.4 DO THE HINDRANCES RETURN IMMEDIATELY AFTER DHYANA?
6.4.1 Coming out of dhyana
6.4.1.1 Gunaratana often quotes the suttas to support his views and arguments regarding dhyana.
These suttas make useful study for anyone interested in teachings related to meditation. However, it is
possible that some of his views about dhyana are based on his personal meditation experiences rather than
sutta teachings. For example, this is how he describes when we emerge from dhyana:
Coming out of Jhna means that we are no longer in Jhna. All the hindrances that we have
overcome with great difficulty will rush back to the mind and the mind will once again be cluttered with hindrances. We will lose clarity, purity, concentration, light, and mindfulness. If you want
to come out of Jhna to practice Vipassan, then you should not waste your valuable time to attain it at all. You should use that time to practice Vipassan from the beginning.
(Gunaratana 2007:4; emphasis added)
6.4.1.2 Gunaratana then quotes the Pohapda Sutta (D 9) passages on the nine progressive
abodes or abidings (nava anupubba,vihra),167 of which I have quoted only the passage on the first
dhyana, as it is representative of the rest:
Quite secluded from sensual pleasures, secluded from unwholesome mental states,
the monk enters and dwells in the first dhyana,
accompanied by initial application and sustained application,
accompanied by zest and happiness, born of solitude.
And if he has any previous sense-desires, it disappears.
At that time, there arises a subtle but real perception of zest and joy born of seclusion,
and he becomes conscious of this zest and joy at that very moment.
(D 9,10.3/1:182), SD 7.14 [6.2.1.2]
What does this passage really say? It defines the first dhyana, adding that all sense-desires have disappeared. We are conscious of the attending joy (a merely passive but profoundly blissful awareness). It
also says that our states of consciousness arise and fall dependent on conditions. Implicitly, it is saying
that the dhyanas is a great way to purify our consciousness. There is no mention of cultivating insight
while we are in dhyana. There is also no mention that the hindrances flooding the mind immediately
after emerging from dhyanathis is surely not dhyana. [6.2.1.2]
6.4.1.3 The suttas, in fact, speak of dhyana as a profoundly blissful state of calm and clarity, both
during and after the state, that is, the mental focus does not disappear so quickly, that the hindrances do
not come flooding back once we emerge from dhyana. Indeed, the Pabbateyya Gav Sutta (A 9.35)
clearly states this: Whenever a monk attains to such an attainment [a form dhyana or a formless
attainment], or emerges (vuhti) from it, his mind is pliable and malleable.168 So, we can safely say that
the mind that has just emerged from dhyana is still very calm and blissfully focussed with a potential for
great good.
6.4.1.4 Furthermore, Buddhaghosa, explaining the third dhyana in his Visuddhi,magga, sums it up,
thus:
166
A good meditation teacher is our spiritual friend (kalya mitta). On the qualities desirable in a spiritual
friend, see Spiritual friendship, SD 8.1. On the parable of the cook, see Sda S (S47.8/5:149-152), SD 28.15.
167
Sometimes loosely called the 9 dhyanas, ie the 4 form dhyanas (rpa jhna), the 4 formless dhyanas (arpa
jhna), and the cessation of perception and feeling (sa,vedayita,nirodha or nirodha,sampatti) (D 3:265, 290; A
9.33/4:410-414). See Tevijja S (D 13) @ SD 1.8 (2.2) (3) n; also Raho,gata S (S 36.11/4:216-218), SD 33.6.
168
Yato kho bhikkhave bhikkhu ta tad eva sampatti sampajjatipi vuhti pi.
47
Piya Tan
Now, regarding (the phrase), he feels joy with the body: here, although in one who is engrossed in the third dhyana, there is no concern for feeling joy (sukha), nevertheless he would feel
the joy associated with his mental body (nma,kya).
After emerging from the dhyana, he would also feel joy, since his physical body (rpa,kya)
would have been touched [affected] by the profoundly subtle matter arising from that joy associated with the mental body.169 As such, it is to point this out that the words he feels joy with the
body are said.
(Vism 4.175/163)
6.4.2 Directing the mind to cultivate insight

6.4.2.1 The Pabbateyya Gav Sutta (A 9.35) speaks of two kinds of meditation: a directed meditation (paidhya bhvan) and an undirected meditation (apaidhya bhvan),170 that is, knowing
when to direct the mind to a suitable object, or to simply leave it to uninterruptedly build itself up into
focus.171 When the mind is badly distracted, we should direct it to some inspiring sign, usually one of
the six recollections172 or loving kindness meditation.173
6.4.2.2 When the mind is quite stable, we should leave it as it is to build uninterruptedly into samadhi
and dhyanaand it is useful to know when and how to do this.174 The Pabbateyya Gv Sutta (A 9.35) describes an undirected cultivation of dhyana in these words: He enjoys175 the sign, cultivates it, continuously works on it, focusses on it, so that it is well focussed.176 This is a subtle mental effort of non-effort.
6.4.2.3 There are discourses that show how dhyana can lead to liberating insight. The method comprises two stages: first, one gets into dhyana; then, one emerges from it and reflects on the three characteristicsthat the state is impermanent, suffering and non-selfor something similar. Of these two stages, the
Ahaka,ngara Sutta (M 52) says:
Here, householder, quite secluded from sensual pleasures, secluded from unwholesome states, a
monk attains to and dwells in the first dhyana that is accompanied by initial application and sustained application, with zest and joy born of solitude.
He considers and understands thus: This first dhyana is conditioned and volitionally formed.177
Whatever is conditioned and volitionally formed is impermanent, subject to ending.
If he is steady in that, he reaches the destruction of the influxes.178 If he does not reach the destruction of influxes because of the desire in dharmas [states], the delight in dharmas,179 then with
169
On consciousness-born materiality, see Vism 20.30-34/615 f.

A 9.35/4:418-422 = SD 24.3. See also Samadhi, SD 33.1a (2.1).
171
On directed cultivation, see further Bhikkhu Vsaka S (S 47.10/5:154-157), SD 24.2 (1.2). On satipatthana
with dhyana, see Satipahna S (M 10), SD 13.1 (4.3b).
172
Bhikkhu Vsaka Sutta (S 47.10), advises that when there arises in him, based on the body, either a fever
in the body or sluggishness in the mind, or the mind is distracted outwardly, is instructed on how to direct the mind
to an inspiring meditation, such as one of the 6 recollections (S 47.10/5:154-156), SD 24.2, also called 6 bases of
recollection (cha anussati-,hna), ie, on (1) the Buddha, (2) the Dharma, (3) the Sangha, (4) moral virtue, (5) charity, and (6) the devas. See Sambdhoksa S (A 6.26/3:314 f), SD 15.6.
173
On the cultivation of lovingkindness (mett bhvan), see Karaya Metta S (Khp 9 = S 1.8), SD 38.3.
174
See Pabbateyya Gv S (A 9.35/4:418-422), SD 24.3.
175
sevati, which has a broad sense of associating, thus to visit, frequent; practise; follow (eg magga); repeat, develop; cultivate; enjoy; often used with bhaveti and bahul,karoti (CPD). I render asevati here as he enjoys
as it vitally involves joy for the meditation to succeed.
176
So ta nimitta sevati bhveti bahul,karoti svdhihita adhihti.
177
Abhisakhata abhisacetayita. These two terms are stock indicating a conditioned state in which volition
(cetan) is the most important conditioning factor.
178
The term sava (lit inflow, outflow) comes from -savati flows towards (i.e. either into or out towards
the observer). It has been variously translated as taints (deadly taints, RD), corruptions, intoxicants, biases, depravity, misery, evil (influence), or simply left untranslated. The Abhidhamma lists four sava: the influx of (1)
170
48
SD 33.1b
the destruction of the five lower fetters,180 he becomes one who would reappear spontaneously (in
the Pure Abodes) and there attain final nirvana without ever returning from that world.
(M 52.4/1:351), SD 41.2181
The phrase, He considers this and understands it (so iti paisacikkhati...pajnti) is crucial and
should be properly understood in its context here. These are discursive thoughts (thinking and reasoning),
and certainly uncharacteristic of a dhyana. As such, it goes without saying that this is an extra-dhyana process. Such mentation is done outside of dhyana.
6.4.2.4 The Mah Mlukya Sutta (M 64), using almost the same words as the Ahaka,ngara Sutta,
shows a slightly different manner of self-liberation (in this case, leading directly to non-return, even
arhathood):
Whatever exists by way of form, feeling, perception, formations and consciousness, he sees those
states as impermanent, as suffering, as a disease, as a tumour, as a barb, as a calamity, as an affliction, as alien, as disintegrating, as void, as not self.182 He turns his mind away from those states183
and directs it to the deathless element [nirvana], thus:
This is peaceful, this is sublime, that is, the stilling of all formations, the letting go of all acquisitions [attachments], the destruction of craving, dispassion [letting go of craving], cessation (of
suffering), nirvana.184
(M 64.9/1:435 f)
6.4.2.5 The Dgha,jnu Sutta (A 8.54) even encourages the laity to practise direct cultivation for the
arising of wisdom, thus:
What is the accomplishment of wisdom (pa,sampad)?
sense-desire (kmsava), (2) (desire for eternal) existence (bhavsava), (3) wrong views (dihsava), (4) ignorance (avijjsava) (D 16.2.4, Pm 1.442, 561, Dhs 1096-1100, Vbh 937). These four are also known as floods
(ogha) and yokes (yoga). The list of three influxes (omitting the influx of views) is probably older and is found
more frequently in the Suttas (D 3:216, 33.1.10(20); M 1:55, 3:41; A 3.59, 67, 6.63). The destruction of these savas
is equivalent to arhathood. See BDict: sava.
179
Desiredelight in dharmas (dhamma,rga dhamma,nand), as at Ahaka,nagara S (M 52.4/1:350), where
Comy explains that these 2 terms refer to the desire and lust (chanda-rga), here meaning simply attachment, with
respect to calm and insight. If one is able to let go of all attachment to calm and insight, one becomes an arhat. If one
cannot discard them then one becomes a non-returner and is reborn in the Pure Abodes (MA 3:14). Dhamma here
clearly does not mean teaching or Teaching, but meditative states; as such, it is best rendered as dharma.
180
The 10 fetters are: (1) Personality view (sakkya,dihi), (2) persistent doubt (vicikicch), (3) attachment to
rules and rites (sla-b,bata,parmsa), (4) sensual lust (kma,rga), (5) repulsion (paigha), (6) greed for form existence (rpa,rga), (7) greed for formless existence (arpa,rga), (8) conceit (mna), (9) restlessness (uddhacca),
(10) ignorance (avijj) (S 5:61, A 10.13/5:17; Vbh 377). In some places, no 5 (paigha) is replaced by illwill (vypda). The first 5 are the lower fetters (oram,bhgiya), and the rest, the higher fetters (uddham,bhgiya). They are
called fetters (sayojana) because they shackle one to the samsaric world of negative habits and suffering.
181
See Bhvan, SD 15.1 (10.3), Applying insight to dhyana.
182
Like the prec Ahaka,nagara S passage, this passage shows the cultivation of insight (vipassan) on the basis
of calm (samatha), using dhyana on which the insight-practice is based as the object of insight. The terms impermanent (aniccato) and disintegrating (palokato) here show the characteristic of impermanence; three terms
alien (parato), void (suato), and not self (anattato)show the characteristic of non-self; the remaining 6
termsdukkhato, rogato, gaato, sallato, aghato, bdhatoshow the characteristic of suffering (MA 3:146).
183
Comy: He turns his mind away from those states (so tehi dhammehi citta paivpeti) from the 5 aggregates
included in the dhyana, which he has seen to be marked with the 3 characteristics (MA 3:146).
184
The deathless element (nibbna,dhtu) is nirvana. First, he directs his mind to it with the insight consciousness, having heard it praised and described as being peaceful, sublime, etc. Then, with the supramundane
path, he directs his mind to it by making it an object and penetrating it as the peaceful, the sublime, etc. (MA
3:146)
49
Piya Tan
Here, Vyagghapajja, the son of family is wise, possesses wisdom directed to [noting] the rising and falling away (of phenomena) that is noble and penetrative, leading to the complete destruction of suffering.
This, Vyagghapajja, is called the accomplishment of wisdom. (A 8.54.15/4:285), SD 5.10
6.4.3 Directing the mind to cultivate superknowledge. Now, the suttas do have passages on how
we should direct our minds so that we can cultivate the various superpowers. This passage on the superknowledges taken from the Pabbateyya Gav Sutta (A 9.35), a key discourse on dhyana training, is
instructive:
Whenever a monk attains to such an attainment [a form dhyana or formless attainment], or
emerges from it, his mind is pliable and malleable.
With a mind that is pliable and malleable, boundless samadhi is well developed.
With a well-developed boundless samadhi, whatever higher knowledge that should be realized that he directs his mind to, he realizes it.185
He gains the ability to witness [to personally experience] any aspect therein, whenever the
conditions are right [whenever the occasion arises].186
(A 9.35.3/4:421), SD 24.3
Note that the sutta says that it is with a well-developed boundless samadhi (appamo samdhi hoti
subhvito) that we direct the mind to, realizes a superknowledge. The phrase, whenever the conditions
are right (tatra tatreva...sati sati yatane) is significant in telling us that we have to be very mindful.
Obviously, this refers to our mental state after dhyana rather than within dhyana (when the mind is fully
focussed). This whole stock phrase often introduces the attainment of the superknowledges (abhi).
The above passage (and similar passages elsewhere) clearly show that we emerge from dhyana to cultivate the superknowledges.
6.4.4 Our minds are still clear on emerging from dhyana
6.4.4.1 Unlike Gunaratana, who says that we can and must work on insight while in dhyana, Brahmavamso explains how we emerge from dhyana in a very different way:
Even though there is no comprehension within any jhna, one is certainly not in a trance.
Ones mindfulness is greatly increased to a level of sharpness that is truly incredible. One is immensely aware. Only mindfulness doesnt move. It is frozen. And the stillness of the superpower
mindfulness, the perfect one-pointedness of awareness, makes the jhna experience completely
different from anything one has known before. This is not unconsciousness. It is non-dual consciousness. All it can know is one thing, and that is timeless bliss that doesnt move.
Afterward, when one has emerged from the jhna, such consummate one-pointedness of consciousness falls apart. With the weakening of one-pointedness, perspective reemerges, and the
mind has the ability to move again. The mind has regained the space needed to compare and comprehend. Ordinary consciousness has returned.
Having just emerged from a jhna, it is the usual practice to look back at what has happened
and review the jhna experience. The jhnas are such powerful events that they leave an indelible
record in ones memory store. In fact, one will never forget them as long as one lives. They are
185
A 9.35.2bc/4:419-421, SD 24.3. So appamena samdhin subhvitena, yassa yassa abhi,sacchikarayassa, dhammassa citta abhininnmeti, abhi,sacchikiriyya.
186
Tatra tatreva sakkhi,bhabbata pputi sati sati yatane. This is a common stock phrase that introduces the
attainment of the superknowledges (abhi): Mah Vaccha,gotta S (M 73.19/1:494 = SD 27.4); Kya,gata,sati S
(M 119.29 f/3:96 f = SD 12.21); Pasu,dhovaka S (A 3.100a.4/1:255 = SD 19.11a); Upakkilesa S (A 5.23/3:1619); Dutiya Iddhi,pda S (A 5.68/3:82 f); Sakkhi,bhabba S (A 6.71/3:426 f); Gv Upam S (A 9.35/4:421 f). It
refers to the preliminary conditions (yatana) for the 6 superknowledges (abhi) which follow later. The preliminary condition for the first 5 knowledges (the mundane ones) is the 4th dhyana; for the 5th (the only supramundane
one), it is insight. See SD 12.21 (6).
50
SD 33.1b
easy to recall with perfect retention. One comprehends the details of what happened in the jhna,
and one knows which of the jhnas it was. Moreover, data obtained from reviewing a jhna form
the basis of the insight that leads to enlightenment.
(2006:153 f)187
6.4.4.2 Its hard to imagine how when a dhyana experience ends, as Gunaratana says, we find ourselves falling off a precipice right into the maws of mental fetters. It is difficult to envision how a profoundly focussed mind could immediately, as it were, become unfocussed. Imagine we have just spent
some blissful time in samadhi in a beautiful remote mountain retreat. We emerge from it into the natural
peace of the cool grass, swaying trees, bubbling stream, calm rocks, living mosses, and nipping breeze.
We are still in a profoundly still and blissful state of mind, capable of clear focus. This is the time when
we effectively cultivate insight: to know that even the solid rock will crumble, even the lively flower will
fade away, the skies will be no more, and our consciousness recycles itself closer to liberation.
6.4.4.3 All this is of course utterly experiential, and discussing an experiential issue such as this is
like a leisurely chat amongst regular tea-drinkers. Each of them likes a certain blend of tea, brewed in a
certain way. It is difficult to say whose tea tastes better. It is not helpful at all to argue or debate over such
preferences. Instead, we should taste the tea for ourselves. When we have taken enough tea over time, we
would have a good idea which tea we love best.
6.5 WHAT HAPPENS DURING DHYANA?
6.5.1 The natural progress of the spiritual life
6.5.1.1 Gunaratana, having stated and reiterated that, in a dhyana state, the meditator sees and
knows what is going on in his mind, and it is virtually impossible to find evidence in the Suttas that one
should come out of Jhna to practice Vipassan (2007:1), then quotes the first part of the Cetankaraya Sutta (A 11.2) (2007:6 f). The Sutta quoted is abridged here:
For the morally virtuous, there is no need of the intention [an act of will],
May freedom from remorse arise in me! (avippaisro me uppajjat ti).
It is the nature of things that this will happen.
For the one free of remorse, there is no need of the intention,
May gladness arise in me! (pmojja me uppajjat ti)...
For the one with gladness, there is no need of the intention,
May zest arise in me! (pti me uppajjat ti)...
For the zestful, there is no need of the intention,
May my body be tranquil! (kyo me passambhat ti)...
For the one tranquil in body, there is no need of the intention,
May I feel joy! (sukha vediym ti)
For the happy, there is no need of the intention,
May my mind concentrate! (citta me samdhiyat ti)
For the concentrated, there is no need of the intention,
May I know and see according to reality! (yath,bhta jnmi passm ti)
For the one who knows and sees according to reality, there is no need of the intention,
May I feel revulsion! (nibbindm ti)
For the revulsed, there is no need of the intention,
May I let go (of defilements) [be free from passions]! (virajjm ti)
For the one who has let go (of defilements) [the dispassionate], there is no need of the intention,
May I realize the knowledge and vision of liberation!
It is the nature of things that this will happen.
(A 11.2/5:312 f), SD 33.3b (abridged)
187
See also Richard Shankman, The Experience of Samadhi: an in-depth exploration of Buddhist meditation,
Shambhala, 2008.
51
Piya Tan
6.5.1.2 This teaching is what might be called the full nibbid (revulsion) formula, so called
because revulsion (nibbid) is the high-point reached by the cultivation of moral virtue, and also the
turning-point towards sainthod and awakening. Nibbid is the first term in the better-known shorter
nibbid formula, which describes the spiritual turning-point to sainthood: nibbid (revulsion), virga
(dispassion), vimutti (liberation) and nibbna (nirvana), as in this stock passage:
...it leads to utter revulsion, to dispassion, to ending (of suffering), to peace [stilling], to direct
knowledge, to self-awakening, to nirvana.
eta ekanta,nibbidya virgya nirodhya upasamya abhismya abhiya sambodhya
nibbnya savattanti.
(D 1:189; S 5:82, 179, 255, 361; A 3:83, 4:143, 5:216)188
6.5.1.3 Teachings like this remind us that meditation progress cannot be planned or forced. We can
only create the right conditions for our practice, such as living a morally virtuous life, and letting the mind
naturally focus. It is like archery: we must properly hold the bow and carefully aim the arrow at the target,
judging its distance, wind direction and strength, etc, and then let the arrow go. The arrow then finds its
own way to the target or bulls eye.189
6.5.2 The ineffability of dhyana
6.5.2.1 From a close study of sutta passages on dhyana and the teachings of those familiar with
dhyana, we know that dhyana is a state free of any thought-process or word-based activity, a state so
profoundly blissful that it would naturally preclude even knowing. In other words, it is not an intellectual
process, but an utterly affective state. We cannot know dhyana; we can only feel it.
This vital point is highlighted in the Cetankaraya Sutta (A 11.2) [6.5.1]. After quoting this
Sutta, Gunaratana makes this important note:
It is stated here in unambiguous terms that the concentrated mind sees things as they really
are without any thinking. It says specifically, For one who knows and sees things as they really
are there is no need for thought.
Thinking is the work of logic, reason, and philosophy with words, ideas and concepts. Long
before he attains samdhi the meditator has already left behind all discursive thought with its
logic, reasoning, investigation and philosophizing with words concepts and ideas. 190 (2007:7)
6.5.1.2 Brahmavamso summarizes the characteristics or landmarks of all dhyanas as follows:
(1) There is no possibility of thought.
(2) No decision-making process is available.
(3) There is no perception of time.
(4) Consciousness is non-dual, making comprehension inaccessible.
(5) Yet one is very, very aware, but only of bliss that doesnt move.
(6) The five senses are fully shut off, and only the sixth sense, mind, is in operation. (2006:155)
6.5.1.3 From all these characteristics, it is clear that a dhyana is utterly affective in nature: we only
feel it without knowing it, that is, without thought or words. This is not difficult to imagine even if we
have never tasted dhyana before. Recall a time when you were truly happy, such as winning a special
prize, or a extraordinarily joyful event. If you were asked, How do you feel? you can only perhaps say,
I dont know... its just wonderful!
7 Significance of dhyana
7.1 THE ROLE OF DHYANA191
188
This is also known as the 7 criteris of the true Dharma-Vinaya. See Nibbid, SD 20.1. For other connections,
see PED: nibbid.
189
See the archer simile which recurs 8 times in (sava-k,khaya) Jhna S (A 9.36.2/4:423), SD 33.8.
190
Compare, however, what Gunaratana says above about experiencing insight [6.2].
52
SD 33.1b
7.1.1 Not all scholars agree on the connection between dhyana and early Buddhism. Some scholars
have argued that dhyanas are a brahminical or yogic technique which was adopted by the Buddhists, and
therefore, cannot be considered as a practice leading to liberation. Others have argued that even though
the Buddhas own awakening story includes dhyanasand, as such, they are Buddhiststill, it is possible to reach liberation without attaining them.
Either waywhether scholars agree that dhyana is Buddhist or notthey tend to agree that dhyana is
not liberative in itself, but is merely a concentration exercise (samdhi) or a mental absorption in a specific object (samatha), a meditation practice which is diametrically opposed to the practice of vipassan,
which is uniquely Buddhist.
7.1.2 Keren Arbel, in her paper, Buddhist or Not? Thinking anew the role of the jhnas in the path
of awakening (2008) [4], argues against these assumptions, asserting that dhyana was only a borrowed
term, not a borrowed meditation technique that was integrated into Buddhism. She further suggests that
dhyana is a description of a mind in the process of awakening; the fruit and a further foundation for the
practice, and not a meditative technique (2008:1).
According to Arbel, dhyanas are uniquely Buddhist, since they embody a distinct Buddhist view on
the path of awakening; a view that opposed and rejected a common perception in the various ramaa
traditions that liberation is gained through pain, not pleasure (id). She points to important passages in the
Nikyas that, firstly, emphasize the pivotal role of the first dhyana in the Buddhas own awakening story,
and secondly, debunking the notion that the dhyanas are mere concentration exercises. In fact, Arbel
hypothesizes that
only by entering the first jhna, one actualizes internally the middle path. The first jhna is a
mental actualization of a midpoint between asceticism and indulgence, between sensual pleasure
and bodily pain. It seems that only when experiencing pleasure and rapture apart from sensual
pleasures and unwholesome states, one can abandon internally, the desire for this coarse pleasure.
... However, this is only an initial state; a state where a very coarse attachment is abandoned. For
attaining awakening, one has to abandon any attachment, even to these refined and wholesome
states.
(2008:13)
7.1.3 Even though the term jhna (Skt dhyna) has been adopted from a common religious
vocabulary, it was, nevertheless, redefined by the Buddha to refer to the Buddhist understanding of the
spiritual path and the awakening process. In other words, the Buddha is the first person to experience
dhyana with right view, and so to awaken himself [5]. In this sense, the Buddha is the first to discover
dhyana. Out of the dhyanic calm and clarity, the Buddha is able to directly see the true nature of reality,
and confirm this as the same wisdom of past Buddhas. As such, our Buddha is the first to discover dhyana
in his own dispensation, in which we are very fortunate to live and is still able to learn from and practice
to gain the same liberation as the Buddha himself has done.
7.2 WRITING ABOUT A SUNSET
7.2.1 The subject of meditation can have strange effects on people who do not meditate, or do not
meditate enough, or are not Buddhist, but write about it. The more academically qualified they are, especially when they are published, the more people are likely to read and believe them, rightly or wrongly, or
at least are inclined to discuss such views. Of course, anyone can write about meditation or Buddhism, but
the Buddhists (both as academics and as practitioners) have to industriously and intuitively respond to any
wrong notion or misrepresentation about them.
7.2.2 Paul Griffiths,192 the Warren professor of Catholic Thought at Duke University, USA, for example, is one of those who work with the notion that samatha and vipassan are actually forms of medita191
This section is mainly inspired by Keren Arbels conference paper, Buddhist or Not? Thinking Anew the Role
of the Jhnas in the Path of Awakening (2008).
192
Paul J Griffiths (b 1955) received a doctoral degree in Buddhist Studies in 1983 from the Univ of WisconsinMadison, and his early works established him as one of the most incisive interpreters of Yogcra Buddhist philoso-
53
Piya Tan
tion, rather than regarding them as integral aspects of the same practice. He claims that samatha meditation has a different aim from that of vipassan meditation.193 He thinks that the attempt to reconcile
the two methods of meditation and to integrate them into a single process of liberation is especially
difficult.194 Edward Crangle, too, mentions that vipassan is the Buddhas exclusive and original discovery. He further asserts that it is what distinguishes the Buddhas course of practice from those of
other meditative schools.195
7.2.3 All this becomes more complicated when the Buddhists themselves try to keep up with the academics.196 Two good examples of this are found in the writings of such Sinhalese scholar-monks, representative of the modern (or modernist) Sinhala Theravda tradition, that is, Ven Dr Walpola Rhula and
Ven Dr Henepola Gunaratna.197 Rhula, for example, clearly states that all these mystic states, according
to the Buddha have nothing to do with Reality, Truth, Nirvana. This form of meditation existed before the
Buddha. Hence it is not purely Buddhist...!198 Most modern scholars and informed Buddhists would beg
to differ as Buddhism did not arise in a social vacuum. [4.1; 4.4.1]
7.2.4 One of the real and inherent problems of writing about meditation from an academic viewpoint
is that we are trying to describe what is experiential in discursive terms. A safe way to write about meditation would be to do so descriptively with generous imageries. Even then, if we have not tasted the bliss
and calm of dhyana, but at least some level of inner stillness (or even an emic199 understanding of Buddhphy. His works on Buddhism incl On Being Mindless (Lasalle, IL: Open Court, 1991) and On Being Buddha (Albany: SUNY Press, 1994). After converting from Anglicanism to Roman Catholicism, and accepting the Schmitt Chair
of Catholic Studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago, he largely gave up his work in Buddhist Studies. Another
conversion was that of well known scholar of Mahayana Buddhism, Paul Williams (b 1950), Professor in Indian
Religions at the University of Bristol, England, and director for the Universitys Centre for Buddhist Studies. He received his DPhil in Buddhist Philosophy at Wadham College, Univ of Oxford, 1978. His main research interests
were Madhyamaka Buddhist philosophy, Prasangika Madhyamaka and virtue ethics. Williams was a Buddhist himself for many years but had since converted to Roman Catholicism. In his book, The Unexpected Way: On converting from Buddhism to Catholicism (London: T & T Clark), Williams challenges Mahayana Buddhism with the
question, Why there is something rather than nothing? (2002:28). Apparently, being a professional scholars of
Mahayana could be a factor, even a bridge, in his conversion to Catholicism (unlike if say he were a serious Buddhist meditator, and all this worth investigating. Of course, we cannot rule out ones apprehension with a not-so-lucrative specialist field (like Buddhist studies) and the pecuniary and social advantages of turning to an affluent and dominant religion with its well-established educational institutions. Then, there is the spectre of family pressure should
not be left out, too. All said, one might add that learning Christianity or Catholicism from a Buddhist specialist on
the Bible is much rarer than learning Buddhism from a non-Buddhist. Could a Bodhi tree grow on barren ground?
193
Quoted by Keren Arbel 2008:2.
194
Paul Griffiths, On Being Mindless, Albany, NY: State Univ of New York Press, 1994:19.
195
Edward Fitzpatrick Crangle, The Origin and Development of Early Indian Contemplative Practices, Wiesbaden, 1994:272; however, he also notes that [r]ather than two distinct styles of meditation, the suttas suggest two
aspects of a single contemplative practice (260) & Nonetheless, the distinction between the practice of calm (samatha) and the practice of insight (vipassan) is not explicit in the Pli Suttas (264). Crangle, in his email dated 10
June 2010, explains: ...I believe that a rational understanding of the Buddhist metaphysic provides essential programming of ones dhyana to produce a degree of intuitive insight. Having gained a measure of intuitive insight, the
meditator is able to revise his/her rational understanding, to some degree. This revision, in turn, reprogrammes one's
subsequent dhyana to produce deeper degrees of intuitive insight... until understanding, intuitive insight and release
are all perfected. | In this indirect way, insight is applied in dhyana due to earlier programming of the mind. At the
same time, discursion is absent in dhyana itself. See also L Schmithausen, On some aspects of descriptions or
theories of Liberating insight and enlightenment in early Buddhism, Wiesbaden, 1981.
196
Eg Winston L King, Theravda Meditation: the Buddhist transformation of yoga, University Park, 1980:viii.
197
See H Gunaratana, The Jhnas in Theravda Buddhist Meditation, Kandy, 1988:25.
198
Walpola Rhula, What the Buddha Taught, Chester Springs, PA, 1967:68 f. See further Alagaddpama S (M
22) @ SD 3.13 (1.3).
199
The terms etic and emic were originally coined by linguist Kenneth Pike (Language in Relation to a Unified
Theory of the Structure of Human Nature, The Hague, 1967), and derived from the terms phonetic and phonemic.
Phonetic accounts of language are based on the observers measurement of physical sound differences, while phon-
54
SD 33.1b
ism and meditation), how can its beauty flow from our finger-tips? Or worse, as Griffiths (while still a
PhD candidate in Buddhist studies) points out, even a well known Buddhist scholar-monk could contradict himself when writing on meditation.200
8 Conclusion
8.1 Dhyana entails a profound state of mental concentration, which in turn forms the basis for wisdom. As such, the Buddha exhorts his followers, as recorded in the following texts, all called Samdhi
Sutta, thus:201
Cultivate mental concentration, bhikshus. A monk who has mental concentration understands
things as they really are.202
(S 22.5/3:13 f; 35.99/4:80; 56.1/5:414; cf A 5.27/3:24)
The same Sutta explains the expression understands things as they really are (yath,bhta pajnti) as
referring to the five aggregates, thus: Such is formfeelingperceptionformationsconsciousness;
such is its passing away.203
8.2 A clear mind can see forever, as it were. This eternal truth is the essence of our being, and reflects our spiritual potential for liberation. There is nothing we can really talk or write about a sunset or a
clear moonless starry night sky: it is more rewarding for us to immerse ourselves in their profoundly
blissful presence.
8.3 Even the best book or encyclopaedia on meditation is merely about meditation, maybe about
dhyana; but it is never meditation itself. Meditation is an activity; it is about how we breathe, how we
feel, how we are truly free. It is the most spiritual of human activities. It is to be done in the true spirit of
being human, whose ability to know suffering spurs him on to seek its stilling. Meditation may be read,
but never argued about; above all, it is to be done, and to be felt as the most intimate and revealing experience we can ever have. For, it is about what we really are, and what we can truly beliberated beings.

Bibliography
Please see under Samadhi, SD 33.1a
emic accounts are those based on speakers conscious or unconscious models of sound difference (Macmillan Dictionary of Anthropology, 1986:92). In short, in translation work and academic studies, there should be a good balance
between emic meaning and etic interpretation. Niels Nielsen makes this useful distinction: The emic (inside)
meaning of a religious tradition is a description of that tradition by its adherents using their own language and their
own categories and systems of organization.... In practice, most investigators use etic (outside) interpretive categories
devised within their scholarly disciplines in addition to emic categories.... Emic and etic approaches can be complementary and mutually corrective. (With John Y Fenton, in N Nielsen et al (eds), Religions of the World, NY, 1983:6;
qu at Hoffman 1987:2)
200
Griffiths, in his article Concentration or insight: The problematic of Theravda Buddhist meditation-theory,
notes: Paravahera Vajiraana Mahathera, in his exposition of the Visuddhimagga, reflects the confusion of his
sources when he implicitly contradicts himself, saying at one point that samdhi-bhavan is a necessary condition
for attaining nibbna, and denying this in another place (1962) (1981:617): see P Vajiraa, Buddhist Meditation
in Theory and Practice, Colombo, 1962:8, 343.
201
S 22.5, 35.99, 56.1.
202
Samdhi bhikkhave bhvetha. Samhito bhikkhave bhikkhu yath,bhta pajnti. See DhsA 162.
203
See Mah Satipahna S (D 22.14/2:301 f), Satipahna S (M 10.38/1:61), (Paca-k,khandha) Samdhi
S (S 22.5/3:13f), (Sayatana) Samdhi S (S 35.99/4:80). See also Dasa,bala S 1 (S 12.21/2:27 f), Dasa,bala S 2
(S 12.23/2:29-32), Sha S (S 22.78/3:84-86), Khemaka S (S 22.89/ 3:126-132) and Nva S (S 22.101/3:152-155).
The origin and passing away of the aggregates are explained in Paisallna S (S 22.6/3:15) by way of diachronic
conditionality, and in Updna Parivaa S (S 22.56/3:58-61 = SD 3.7) & Satta-,hna S (S 22.57/3:61-65) by
way of synchronic conditionality. See S:B 743 n58. [Diachronic here across time, ie, over many, usu 3, lives;
synchronic means within one life-time itself.]
55
Piya Tan
Reading
(1) Analayo, Satipahna: The direct path to realization, 2003: 74 f.
(2) Keren Arbel. Buddhist or Not? Tel Aviv University, 8 April 2008. [Unpublished.] Conference paper:
http://www.tau.ac.il/humanities/eastasia/events.eng.html,
http://kerenarbel.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/buddhist-or-not1.pdf.
(2) Brahmavamso, The Jhnas, 2003: 53 ff (ch 13).
(3) Brahmavamso, Bhiyas Teaching: In the seen is just the seen. 2005a:5-7.
(4) Brahmavamso, Mindfulness, Bliss and Beyond, 2006:103 ff (ch 8), 127-130.
(5) Rupert Gethin, The Buddhist Path to Awakening, 2001:180-183.
100421; 100501; 100622; 100726; 111205; 121231; 130520
56

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SD 33.

The Buddha Discovered Dhyana

The Buddha Discovered Dhyana

SD 33.1b The Buddha Discovered Dhyana

2 The Buddha and dhyana

(Gth) Pacla,caa Sutta

The Pacla,caa Discourse (Verses)14 | S 2.7/1:48

Sambdhe vata oksa

In the midst of the confined, the opening

The Buddha Discovered Dhyana

SD 33.1b The Buddha Discovered Dhyana

3 The two teachers

The Buddha Discovered Dhyana

SD 33.1b The Buddha Discovered Dhyana

The Buddha Discovered Dhyana

4 Dhyana before the Buddhas time

Nagara S (S 12.65.19-21/2:105 f), SD 14.2.

SD 33.1b The Buddha Discovered Dhyana

See Sujato, A History of Mindfulness, 2005:128-136.

The Buddha Discovered Dhyana

SD 33.1b The Buddha Discovered Dhyana

The Buddha Discovered Dhyana

SD 33.1b The Buddha Discovered Dhyana

For a detailed study, see Sujato, A History of Mindfulness, 2005:19-91.

The Buddha Discovered Dhyana

See, respectively, S 56.11.3/5:420 = SD 1.1 & M 36.20-31/1:242-247 = SD 49.4.

SD 33.1b The Buddha Discovered Dhyana

The Buddha Discovered Dhyana

SD 33.1b The Buddha Discovered Dhyana

5 Dhyana and awakening

Sa,vedayita,nirodha or nirodha,sampatti, M 113/3:37-45 = SD 23.7. It is listed as the 9th or last stage of as

Dhammat es bhikkhave ya samhito yath,bhta jnti passati

The Buddha Discovered Dhyana

M 117.2-3/3:71 + 35/3:76 = SD 6.10.

SD 33.1b The Buddha Discovered Dhyana

The Buddha Discovered Dhyana

6 Scholarship, practice and dhyana

SD 33.1b The Buddha Discovered Dhyana

See SD 41.6 (4.2).

The Buddha Discovered Dhyana

ras meditation unaffected by 500 passing carts

SD 33.1b The Buddha Discovered Dhyana

The Buddha Discovered Dhyana

SD 33.1b The Buddha Discovered Dhyana

See, respectively, M 77.29-36/2:17-22 = SD 49.5 & D 2.87-100/1:76-85 = SD 8.10.

The Buddha Discovered Dhyana

This knowledge is detailed at Vism 13.13-71/411-423.

SD 33.1b The Buddha Discovered Dhyana

or by virtue of a dhyana-factor; thus he [Sriputta] attained arhathood in a fortnight.151 The translation

The Buddha Discovered Dhyana

SD 33.1b The Buddha Discovered Dhyana

See eg Vism ch 4/119-169, which elaborates on what is quoted here.

The Buddha Discovered Dhyana

SD 33.1b The Buddha Discovered Dhyana

6.4.2 Directing the mind to cultivate insight

On consciousness-born materiality, see Vism 20.30-34/615 f.

The Buddha Discovered Dhyana

SD 33.1b The Buddha Discovered Dhyana

The Buddha Discovered Dhyana

SD 33.1b The Buddha Discovered Dhyana