Third Jhana

The third jhana marks an even subtler refinement of meditative absorption. As the practitioner progresses beyond the energetic joy of the earlier jhanas, the emphasis shifts from rapture to a deeper, more stable contentment rooted in profound equanimity.

The characteristics of the third jhana include:

• Joy (pīti) fades, leaving bliss (sukha) and deep equanimity (upekkhā).
• The body and mind are suffused with peaceful contentment.
• Awareness becomes even more stable, unified, and undisturbed by emotional excitation.

Where the second jhana still contains a subtle exhilaration, the third jhana is marked by the quiet satisfaction of release. The mind rests in a balanced, serene abiding that is neither stimulated nor dull. This state represents an important shift away from the craving for pleasurable meditative experiences, moving closer toward true balance and letting go.

Entering the third jhana requires relinquishing attachment to the pleasurable qualities of joy, recognising that even subtle excitement is a disturbance. What remains is a smooth, effortless serenity — a calm contentment in simply being.

As insight practice develops alongside jhana, the third jhana provides a powerful base from which to observe the arising and passing of mental formations with great clarity. The mind, undistracted by fluctuations of pleasure or discomfort, becomes increasingly capable of penetrating the impermanent, selfless nature of all experience.

“With the fading of joy, the monk abides in equanimity, mindful and clearly aware, experiencing bliss with the body; this is the third jhana.”
— Pali Canon