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A robust definition of 'jhāna': meditation with singular focus based on any postive or negative emotion or thought

 (from conversation with digital pāḷi dictionary team)

jhāna jhāyati
I know everyone translates it like what you currently have here:

jhāyati 3

pr. broods; thinks moodily; hangs the head down [√jhā + ya + ti] ✓



but I suspect it has a much more general meaning.
I show all the sutta references where "wrong" types of jhāna can be based on any of the 5 hindrances.
I propose the proper meaning should be 'an obsessive singular focus on any positive or negative emotion or mind state.'

Also, jhāna need not be calm, if it's not wrong jhana.
for example, MN 36 when buddha was trying to hold his breath, or the wrong jhanas of 'brooding' , seeking revenge (jhana based on ill will and harming), tantric sex (jhana based on kama chanda).

What's the need for jhana 1? Dhp 372 is referring to the same as jhana 2.


jhāna 1

nt. state of deep meditative calm; lit. meditating [√jhā + ana] ✓

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n'atthi jhānaṃ apaññassa,
paññā n'atthi ajhāyato,
yamhi jhānañ'ca paññā ca,
sa ve nibbānasantike.

DHP 372 bhikkhuvaggo

Can you think of a better example? Add it here.

jhāna 2

nt. meditation; stage of meditation; lit. meditating [√jhā + ana] ✓

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so ime pañca nīvaraṇe pahāya cetaso upakkilese paññāya dubbalīkaraṇe, vivicc'eva kāmehi vivicca akusalehi dhammehi, savitakkaṃ savicāraṃ vivekajaṃ pītisukhaṃ paṭhamaṃ jhānaṃ upasampajja viharati.

MN 39 mahāassapurasuttaṃ

Can you think of a better example? Add it here.

jhāna 3

adj. having meditation; related to meditation [√jhā + ana] ~

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meditate

verb

med·​i·​tate ˈme-də-ˌtāt 
meditated; meditating
Synonyms of meditate

intransitive verb

1
: to engage in contemplation or reflection
He meditated long and hard before announcing his decision.
2
: to engage in mental exercise (such as concentration on one's breathing or repetition of a mantra) for the purpose of reaching a heightened level of spiritual awareness

transitive verb

1
: to focus one's thoughts on : reflect on or ponder over
He was meditating his past achievements.
2
: to plan or project in the mind : intend, purpose
He was meditating revenge.
meditator
ˈme-də-ˌtā-tər 
noun



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