"The fourth jhana is a state of profound stillness and peace, in which the mind rests with unshakeable one-pointedness and equanimity, and breathing has calmed to the point of stopping. The mind has a radiant purity, due to its "brightly shining" depths having been uncovered and made manifest at the surface level. It is said to be very "workable" and "adaptable" like refined gold, which can be used to make all manner of precious and wonderful things. It is thus an ideal take-off point for various further developments. Indeed it seems to have been the state from which the Buddha went on to attain enlightment."
(Harvey 1990, 250-2)
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment