Absorption States (Jhanas) Within A Non-dualist Context

April 28, 2004

by the contemplative recluse monk Sotapanna Jhanananda (Jeffrey S, Brooks)

(copyright 2004 all rights reserved)

A description of the 9 absorptions (jhanas) Within A Theistic and an A-theistic Context and using the language of Christianity, the yogas, Advaita and Buddhism

It seems adherent of all religions and cultures are frequently seeking ways to prove their culture or religion is superior to others.  But, I am certain that when we examine any culture without bias we will find evidence for equal insight and attainment.

In Christianity their is a record of their mystics experiencing various absorption states, which are often referred to as 'ecstasies.'  Theresa of Avila and her student, John of the Cross, actually articulated 7 levels of absorption, which as you may notice just in numbers alone parallels the Buddha's concept of the 8 jhanas. 

Just because Buddhism rejects a discussion of a personified Godhead, does not mean there are not many parallels that can be drawn to mystics in the various theistic religions.  Since theists tend to describe their God in terms of an infinite dimension, then I believe it is reasonable to acknowledge that the nonmaterial absorptions (arupa-jhanas) are fundamentally the experience of the union (yoga) with the infinite God (Jehovah/Brahma) but in a non-theistic context.

Each mystic tradition has its own names and ways of describing these absorption states.  In Christianity it is often referred to as a marriage with the Holy Spirit or Christ.  In Kabbalah it is called Devekut with the Shekhinah.  In Sufism it is called fana or annihilation, and in Hinduism it is called union (yoga) or absorption (samadhi).

In the Contemplative Christian and Charismatic Christian movements there are generally various concepts such as the Christian Bridal Mystic path, which looks at the various charismatic phenomena as a kind of wedding with the Christ.  The Charismatic Christian movement speaks of a charismatic experience that is described as a "Baptism in the Spirit."  It is these various charismatic experiences of the "Baptism in the Spirit" that are characteristic of the absorption states (jhanas) of Buddhism.  And, it is the intention of the Christian mystic to engage those charismatic phenomena, as frequently as possible and to submit to them at greater and deeper levels. 

In Buddhism, the contemplatives who seek the absorption states (jhanas) endeavor to do the same thing as the contemplative and charismatic Christians do, to engages those absorption states as frequently as one can, and to take the deepest refuge within them all of the way to cessation (nibbana).

I believe we can draw parallels between the various absorption states across cultural boundaries.  I am certain if enlightenment is a valid pursuit, then it must be something that transcends the cultural context.

THE ABSORPTION STATES

If you notice each of the 4 nonmaterial absorptions (jhanas) are in fact stages of increasing non-dualistic states where the identity becomes more effaced before the infinite.  At the 8th absorption state of non-dualism, while still in a sensible domain, the individual however can no longer distinguish between self and other, or between devotee and god, which is the same as "I am That, That I am," or as the Advaitists would say "Tat Twam Assi."

Please also realize that one of the characteristics of the nonmaterial absorptions (arupa-jhanas) is they are  subjective states that do not rely upon the material senses.  This means if the mystic is still aware of the physical world, no matter how tenuous, then that person is not enjoying a nonmaterial absorption (arupa-jhana). 

The first 4 nonmaterial absorption states (arupa-jhanas) do have their own sense plain, but that sensory experience is not "born of sense contact."  This means that one will have visions, sounds, tactile sensations and kinesthetic sensations that are completely unrelated to the physical dimension, and those sensory experiences will be so lucid as to completely efface the physical reality.  Anything that occurs on the physical domain they will have no awareness of.

The 9th absorption is what the Buddhists call cessation (nibbana).  The Sufis call it annihilation (fana) because the experience is utter effacement of all of the senses, and identity in an utterly black and enveloping dimensionless domain.  One will experience only awareness there.  One will find no sense of self or other, or sensory input of any kind, just awareness.

The Meditative Absorption states (Jhanas)

The Four Material Ecstasies, meditative absorption states (rupa jhanas) "samprajana-samadhi" where there is awareness of the material senses:

1- The first jhana (Bliss) contains 5 jhana factors and 1 factor of enlightenment, the 6th factor (Piti) is acquired:

2- Second jhana (Tranquility) with no attention or Vitakka & Vicára needed, contains 4 jhana factors and 2 factors of enlightenment, the 3rd factor (Passaddhi) is acquired:

3- Third jhana (Equanimity) contains 5 jhana factors and 3 factors of enlightenment, the 5th factor of enlightenment (Upekkha) is acquired:

4- Fourth jhana [freedom from joy and suffering (asukha and adukkha)] contains 4 jhana factors and 3 factors of enlightenment:

Transitional phase absorption (nerupajhana-nearupajhana) between material (rupa) an immaterial (arupa) absorption (jhana), where OOBs and luminous orbs appear, as well as the recollection of former lives takes place.. No sensory stimuli "contact" contains 7 jhana factors:

The Four Immaterial Attainments trances or raptures (nonmaterial absorptions) (arupa-jhanas) (Jhanas 5-8) "asamprajnata" or "nirvikalpa-samadhi." where there is no awareness of the material senses:

Other absorption states not apparently described in the Buddha's Discourses

May you become enlightened in this very lifetime,

Jhanananda (Jeffrey S. Brooks)

This article may be retrieved at this URL

http://www.greatwesternvehicle.org/nondualistjhana.htm