The Jhana of Nothingness

The Jhana of Nothingness (ākiñcaññāyatana) is the third of the formless absorptions, representing an even subtler refinement beyond the perception of infinite consciousness. Here, the mind no longer focuses on the boundless field of awareness itself, but shifts to the absence of any thing — the perception of nothingness.

In this state, the meditator experiences an immense, peaceful emptiness — not as a void of despair, but as the absence of content, objects, and differentiation. The mind rests in the recognition that there is simply no-thing to grasp, no-thing to hold onto, no-thing arising to disturb the equanimity of awareness.

This profound stillness offers tremendous relief from the constant arising and passing of mental and sensory phenomena. However, like all jhanas, it remains conditioned. The perception of nothingness is still dependent upon subtle mental activity — the knowing of absence is itself an appearance.

While this absorption offers deep tranquillity, the Buddha cautioned against becoming attached to it as a final goal. Even such sublime peace is impermanent. The insight that leads to liberation penetrates beyond both form and formless states, revealing the emptiness of all conditioned experience, including this perception of nothingness itself.

Thus, while the Jhana of Nothingness is a remarkable stage of concentration, it ultimately serves as a stepping stone toward the full realisation of the unconditioned, where even the subtle satisfaction of absence dissolves into pure freedom.

“Nothingness is still something seen; freedom lies beyond all seeing.”
— Buddhist Insight