is "absorption" a correct translation for jhāna?

Re: How to reach absorption?

by frank k » Wed May 15, 2019 9:12 am

Kumara wrote: ↑
Sun May 12, 2019 10:43 pm
Seems like this thread should be titled
How to reach absorption

"absorption" may not be the best translation for "jhana", but it's workable for the majority of the contexts.
The real problem is that in EBT (early buddhist texts), 1st jhana, ... fourth jhana, have a clear and specific definition, and specific definitions for vitakka and vicara (thought and evaluation). If you trace the devolution of how the four jhanas are understood in Theravada, in Early Abhidhamma, first jhana is still correctly understood with V&V (vitakka and vicara), and Vimutti-magga also retain the correct meaning. But a few hundred years later, Viuddhimagga corrupts the meaning of V&V, and redefines the four jhanas, and first jhana in particular into a completely different meditation practice than in the EBT.

A detailed study of this corruption of the four jhanas, with pali+english is here.
http://lucid24.org/sted/8aam/8samadhi/e ... ndex.html

But since this is a "samatha bhavana" under Theravada thread, it's fair enough if people want to talk about doing VRJ (vism. redefinition of jhana). But unfortunately most people do not know the difference between VRJ and first jhana of EBT. Completely different meditation practice.

Comments

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