The Jhana of Neither Perception Nor Not Perception

The Jhana of Neither Perception Nor Not Perception (nevasaññānāsaññāyatana) represents the most subtle of the formless absorptions — the furthest refinement of concentration attainable before full release from conditioned existence.

In this state, perception becomes so attenuated that it cannot be clearly said to exist or not exist. Awareness remains, but without clear content or object. There is no distinct experience of “something” being perceived, yet a subtle, almost imperceptible knowing continues.

The mind is extraordinarily still, neither engaged in perception nor completely devoid of perception. The boundary between presence and absence dissolves. Because of its extreme subtlety, this state can be difficult to recognise and easily mistaken for cessation or oblivion.

Despite its refinement, this jhana remains a conditioned state, subject to arising and ceasing like all other phenomena. It is not final liberation. The Buddha warned against attachment even to these lofty attainments, as clinging to any state perpetuates becoming and prolongs the cycle of samsara.

Insight practice applied to even these most subtle states reveals their impermanence and dependent nature. Full liberation lies beyond all perception — subtle or gross — in the realisation of the unconditioned, where no arising or passing occurs.

For advanced practitioners, this state may serve as the threshold leading to the cessation of perception and feeling (nirodha-samāpatti), which transcends all conditioned existence entirely.

“Even in neither perception nor non-perception, there is still a trace of becoming; true freedom lies beyond.”
— Buddhist Teaching