Reply To: A Different Way to Count the Jhānās?

#54243
Lal
Keymaster

Yes. There are only four jhānās, which correspond to the mental states of rupa loka Brahmas.

  • There are four arupa samāpattis, which correspond to the mental states of arupa loka Brahmas.
  • So, it is incorrect to say the following (to quote from your comment), “He says that in reality there are only 4 jhānas (rupa jhānas) and what we call “arupa jhānas” are actually states within the 4th jhāna.” 

__________

The eight states you quoted from the Tapussa Sutta confirm what I mentioned above.

  • The ninth one at the end of your comment is not a jhāna or samāpatti
  • “The cessation of perception and feeling is “nirodha samāpatti,” which is attainable only by an Arahant.

Also, see “Tapussa Sutta (AN 9.41)– Akuppā Cētōvimutti” and “Nirōdha Samāpatti, Phala Samāpatti, Jhāna, and Jhāna Samāpatti.”