An Exploration of Jhana

Jhana refers to deep meditative absorption states described in Buddhist practice. These states represent stages of refined concentration where the mind becomes increasingly unified, tranquil, and detached from sensory input and discursive thinking.

The early stages of jhana are entered through sustained attention on a single object, such as the breath. As distractions subside, joy (pīti) and bliss (sukha) arise naturally, accompanied by profound mental stillness. Thought formations quieten, and the mind abides in a calm, undistracted focus.

As practice deepens through successive jhanas, even these pleasurable factors eventually fall away. The mind becomes increasingly subtle, letting go of joy, then bliss, then even the sense of perception itself, moving toward formless absorptions where the distinction between subject and object dissolves.

While jhana states offer profound peace, they are not the ultimate goal. They are skillful means — training grounds for stabilising attention and preparing the mind for deeper insight (vipassana). The risk lies in becoming attached to these refined states, mistaking temporary tranquillity for final liberation.

Insight arises not from escaping experience but from seeing clearly its impermanent, unsatisfactory, and selfless nature. Jhana supports this by quieting gross disturbances, allowing subtler layers of clinging and identity to be seen with penetrating clarity.

“The mind concentrated is like a steady flame in a windless place.”
— Buddhist Simile