Jhana or dhyana is an extension of Buddha's Eightfold Paths where he talks about Right Concentration. This is the only way to achieve Right Concentration. In this state a monk isolates himself from the material desires and enters in the first jhana in which his mind is filled with joy because of his seclusion and then he concentrates deeply. In this concentration he finds tranquility and oneness of mind. This is his second jhana. As the joy fades his mind is now clearly awake; in this stage he enters the third jhana. As elation and distress vanishes realization ushers into his mind. As he enters the fourth jhana he is completely bereft of material emotions i.e. suffering and pleasure. These are the four steps for the meditative absorption, which are known as immaterial attainments. These are often referred to as "formless" jh?nas, or arupajhana. There are also the rupajhanas or dhyana with forms. In general the jhanas are divided into 8 stages of consciousness. Though these are naturally occurring phases but it takes time to learn the art of entering them and staying in that state. Meditation or jhana are seen as the best ways of attaining knowledge and spirituality. And the Buddhist tradition too propagates similar philosophy. |