Living Word of the Buddha SD vol 24 no 11 S 40.

1 The Question of the First Dhyana

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Pahama 1hna Paha Sutta
The Discourse on the Question oI the First Dhyana
Also called (Savitakka) Pathama Jhna Sutta On the First Dhyana (with Initial Application)
|How to progress in the Iirst dhyana|
(Samyutta Nikya 40.1/4:262 I)
Translated by Piya Tan 2008

1 Moggallna`s struggle
1.1 THE NINE DISCOURSES. While Sriputta`s awakening is described in the Anupada Sutta (M
111),
1
Moggallna`s awakening is recorded in the Iirst nine discourses oI the Moggallna Samyutta (the
collected sayings on Moggallna) oI the Samyutta Nikya. These nine discourses recount Moggallna`s
meditative experiences during the week-long eIIort to attain arhathood immediately aIter he has become a
monk. On each oI the nine occasions, the Buddha, using his psychic power, would appear to him to in-
struct him in his meditation. The nine suttas oI the Moggallna Samyutta (S 40.1-9) dealing with his
meditations are as Iollows:

(1) Pahama 1hna Paha Sutta S 40.1/4:262 I SD 24.11
Also called (Savitakka) Pathama Jhna Sutta
(2) Dutiya 1hna Paha Sutta S 40.2/4:263 I SD 24.12
Also called (Avitakka) Dutiya Jhna Sutta
(3) Tatiya 1hna Paha Sutta S 40.3/4:264 I SD 24.13
Also called (Sukhena) Tatiya Jhna Sutta
(4) Catuttha 1hna Paha Sutta S 40.4/4:265 I SD 24.14
Also called (Upekkhaka) Catuttha Jhna Sutta
(5) Aksnac`yatana Paha Sutta S 40.5/4:266 SD 24.15
(6) Vic`yatana Paha Sutta S 40.6/4:266 I SD 24.16
(7) Akica`yatana Paha Sutta S 40.7/4:267 I SD 24.17
(8) N`eva,sa,nsa`yatana Paha Sutta S 40.8/4:268 SD 24.18
(9) Animitta Ceto,samdhi Paha Sutta S 40.9/4:268 I SD 24.19

Another account (a more compact one) oI Moggallna`s struggle Ior arhathood is Iound in the Pacal
Sutta (A 7.58).
2

1.2 WHY MOGGALLNA`S QUEST TOOK ONLY 1 WEEK. In the Sriputta Moggallna Sutta 1 (A
4.167), Moggallna states that he attains arhathood through quick realization (khippabhi), that is, in
only a week, but his progress is diIIicult (dukkha,patipad). However, with the Buddha`s help, he quickly
gains direct knowledge.
3
In the Sriputta Moggallna Sutta 2 (A 4.168), Sriputta declares that he too
attains arhathood through quick realization, which takes two weeks, but his progress is easy (sukha,pati-
pad).
4

Moggallna reaches the spiritual goal more quickly than Sriputta because the Buddha admonishes
him at each oI the nine stages oI his attainments |1.1| and also because he has a smaller range oI direct
knowledge to comprehend. Sriputta, however, is superior to him in wisdom, covering a more compre-
hensive range oI direct knowledge, and so takes twice the time. In a sense, Sriputta, too, is admonished

1
M 111/3:25-29 = SD 56.4.
2
A 7.58/4:85-91 = SD 4.11. See also Mahmoggallna: Master of psychic powers, in Nyanaponika & H
Hecker, Great Disciples of the Buddha, 1997: 78-83.
3
A 4.167/2:154 f = SD 46.16.
4
A 4.168/2:155 = SD 46.17.
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by the Buddha, as interestingly he is a by-stander, Ianning the Buddha, while he teaches his nephew
Dgha,nakha on Ieelings.
5

According to the Cvara Sutta (S 16.11), Mah Kassapa, aIter his meeting with the Buddha, goes
into a seven-day solitary retreat, and on the eighth day becomes an arhat. He meditates on his own with-
out any help Irom the Buddha, and immediately aIter his Iull awakening, the Buddha visits him, and they
exchange their outer robes.
6
The Commentary explains that the Buddha, by this gesture, encourages Mah
Kassapa to live as a forest monk as an inspiration Ior Iuture monastic practitioners.
7

1.3 THE BUDDHA`S QUEST TOOK SIX YEARS. From the ancient texts,
8
we know that the Buddha him-
selI, as a Bodhisattva, spends some time (probably less than a year altogether) under lra Klma and
under Uddaka Rma,putta, mastering everything they have to teach, but not Iinding liberation, he prac-
tises various Iorms oI selI-mortiIication Ior six years.
9

In all, the Buddha takes some six years to Iind the path to awakening! The reason Ior this is that he is
unable to Iind any awakened teacher who could teach him the True Dharma, and as such he has work at
his own selI-awakening. How does he do this? First, he recalls his attainment oI the Iirst dhyana under the
jambu tree during the ploughing Iestival when he was seven, reIlecting its bliss, and that he has nothing to
Iear oI pleasure that is wholesome.
10

Indeed, it is on account oI the Bodhisattva`s ability oI attaining dhyana at such a young agehis
spiritual precociousnessthat he easily masters the methods oI the two teachers, lra and Rma (Iather
oI Uddaka). For, the Bodhisattva is said to have attained the sphere oI nothingness (kicayatana)
under lra, and the sphere oI neither-perception-nor-non-perception using Rma`s teachings (transmit-
ted through his son, Uddaka Rma,putta).
11

So, then, turning to breath meditation, the Bodhisattva quickly attains deep mental Iocus and, letting
go oI all mental hindrances, he gains the Iourth dhyana. Emerging Irom that state, he directs his mind to
attain the knowledge oI the recollection oI his own past lives (pubbe,nivsanussati,na) during the Iirst
watch (10.00-2.00 am) oI Vesak Day.
Using this rebirth knowledge, the Buddha recalls his most spiritually signiIicant past liIe, as conIirm-
ed by the Ghakra Sutta (M 81), that is, as the monk Joti,pla under the immediate past Buddha, Kas-
sapa,
12
under whom he has learned the Dharma, especially the teachings on rebirth, karma and not-selI.

5
Dgha,nakha S (M 74.14/1:500 f) = SD 16.1; also MA 3:203.
6
S 16.11/2:217-222 = SD 47.16.
7
This simple gesture of great spiritual significance was later used by Chan masters in China to legitimize their
lineage: Mah Kyapas robe was used as a token or totem that is handed down to a legitimate Chan heir so that
the lineage is preserved. See How Buddhism Became Chinese = SD 40b (5.2.2.2).
8
Eg Ariya,pariyesan S (M 26.15-18/1:163-167) = SD 1.11 (details of the 2 teachers); Mah Sha,nda S (M
12.44-61/1:77-82) = SD 1.13 (details of self-mortification); Mah Saccaka S (M 36.20-31-44/1:242-249) = SD 1.12
(self-mortification); Bhaya,bherava S (M 4/1:16-24) = SD 44.2 (overcoming fear in solitary practice).
9
This estimation is based on the Buddhas remark to Subhadda, his last convert, recorded in Mah,parinibb-
na S (D 16): I was twenty-nine years of age, Subhadda, | When I went forth, seeking for the good. | Now fifty years
have passed | Since the day I went forth (D 16.5.27/2:151) = SD 9. Earlier on, the Buddha declares: nanda, I
am now old, worn out, burdened with years, my journey done, I have reached the sum oI my days, I am turning
eighty. (D 16.2.25b/2:100) = SD 9. According to Apadna & Comys, in Kassapa Buddhas time, Jotipla was at
Iirst unimpressed with him, calling him a 'shaveling ascetic, a remark that led to his last birth as Gotama`s having
to practise austerities Ior a longer period than did the other Buddhas (Ap 1:301; UA 265; ApA 114 I). See AK War-
der, Indian Buddhism, 1970: 44. For a detailed text-critical study of the Buddhas quest for awakening, see Hajime
Nakamura, Gotama Buddha, 2000: 126-197.
10
M 36.21-32/1:236 f = SD 1:12.
11
M 26.15-17/1:163-167 = SD 1.11. Brahmavamso, however, is of the opinion that what these two teachers
taught were not dhyana: see Ariya,pariyesan S (M 26) = SD 1.11 Intro (4.1) & The Buddha Discovered Dhyana
= SD 33.1.
12
M 81.6/2:46 & 81.23/2:54 = SD 49.3. The Buddha,vamsa records our Buddha as recalling as the monk Joti-
pla under the Buddha Kassapa, he illumined the Conquerors teaching (sobhayim Jina,ssanam, B 25.15)
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Then the Buddha attains the knowledge oI death and rebirth (cutupapta,na) or the 'divine eye, with
which he is able to see how beings Iare through many lives according to their karma.
Recalling his own past lives and those oI other beings, he sees a common pattern oI how the three un-
wholesome roots of greed, hate and delusion, condition our sufferings, and how through understanding
and accepting the universal characteristics of impermanence, unsatisfactoriness and not-self, suIIering is
overcome and liberation won.
Recalling the teachings he receives Irom Kassapa Buddha, which are Iurther conIirmed through his
own understanding, he Iinally is able to directly see into true reality, and so wins the knowledge oI the
destruction oI the inIluxes (sava-k,khaya,na), that is, the Iloods oI sense-desires, views, existence and
ignorance. With this, he attains selI-awakening and spiritual liberation.
13
In other words, while it is
dhyana that blissIully calms and clears the Bodhisattva`s mind, it is the True Dharma (saddhamma) that
makes him Buddha.
14


2 Liberated both ways
Like Sriputta, Moggallna is an arhat 'liberated both ways (ubhato,bhga,vimutta). All arhats are
perIectly liberated in the same way Irom ignorance and suIIering, but are distinguished into two types on
the basis oI their proIiciency in concentration. Those who can attain the eight liberations (aha,vimok-
kha),
15
which include the Iour Iormless attainments and the attainment oI cessation, are called 'liberated
both ways, that is, liberated from the physical body by means oI the Iormless dhyana, and Irom all deIile-
ments by the path oI arhathood.
Those who have destroyed the deIilements but lack mastery over the eight liberations are called
'liberated by wisdom (pa,vimutta). The diIIerences between the two types oI liberation are given in
the Mah,nidna Sutta (D 15)
16
and the Kgiri Sutta (M 70).
17
As recorded in the nine suttas above
|1|, Moggallna, within the same week oI striving, not only masters the nine successive meditative states
but also wins the 'paths oI spiritual power (iddhi,pda), and thus gains higher knowledge (abhi), that
is, the three knowledges |1.3|.

3 Sutta structure
All the nine suttas describing Moggallna`s meditation Iollow a standard oI theory (pariyatti), prac-
tice (patipatti) and realization (pativedha).
18
For example, in the Pathama Jhna Paha Sutta, Moggallna
Iirst deIines the Iirst dhyana |3|, practises to attain it but Iails |4-5|, and on the Buddha`s advice, he
attains that state |6-7|. In all the nine suttas describing Moggallna`s meditation |1|, he has to resolve a
key Iactor oI that particular level, thus:



13
The 3 knowledges (te,vijj) are listed at M 2.10/1:8, 9.70/1:55; D 33.1.10.58/3:220, 34.1.4.10/3:275; A 3.59/-
1:166 I, 3.67/1:197-199, 6.63/3:414, 10.102/5:211.; see also Te,vijja S (D 13) = SD 1.8 Intro (2.2). For a list of 6
direct knowledges & defs, see Smaa,phala S (D 2.89-100/1:77-100) = SD 8.10.
14
On the Buddhas respect for the Dharma, see Grava S (S 6.2/1:138-140) = SD 12.3.
15
Briefly, the 8 liberations are: (1) the liberation of one with physical form sees physical forms (rp rpni
passati); (2) that of one who does not see physical form internally, but sees physical forms externally (ajjhatta
arpa,sa bahiddh rpni passati); (3) that of one liberated after contemplating the idea of the beautiful (subhan
teva adhimutto hoti); (4) that of in the sphere of the infinity of space; (5) that of the sphere of the infinity of con-
sciousness; (6) that of the sphere of nothingness; (7) that of the sphere of neither-perception-nor-non-perception; (8)
that of the cessation of perception and feeling (Pm 2:38-40). Comy on Mah Sakuludyi S (M 77.22/2:13) says that
these liberations are the minds full (but temporary) release from the opposing states and its full (but temporary)
release by delighting in the object (rammaa) (MA 3:255, cf 255-259). For details, see Mah,parinibbna S (D
16.3.33/2:111 I) SD 9 & n & Mah,nidna S (D 15.35/2:70 I) & Intro (10).
16
D 15.35-26/2:70 I SD 5.17.
17
M 70.15-16/1:477 f & SD 11.1 Intro (5.2)
18
On the three levels of training, see The levels of training = SD 40a.4 esp (2).
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The meditative state The Iactor needed to be resolved (let go oI)
(1) The Iirst dhyana sensuality (kma),
(2) The second dhyana applied application (vitakka),
(3) The third dhyana zest (piti),
(4) The Iourth dhyana happiness (sukha),
(5) The sphere oI inIinite space Iorm (rpa),
(6) The sphere oI inIinite consciousness the sphere oI inIinite space (ksnacyatana),
(7) The sphere oI nothingness the sphere oI inIinite consciousness (vinac-
yatana),
(8) The sphere oI neither-perception-
nor-non-perception the sphere oI nothingness (kicayatana),
(9) The signless concentration oI mind the signs (nimitta).

At every moment when Moggallna is caught lingering too long with a certain distraction (while
attempting to attain the Iirst dhyana) or a Iactor oI that state (as in the other eight states), the Buddha re-
minds him to 'steady.uniIy.concentrate your mind (cittam santhapehi, cittam ekodim karohi, cittam
samdaha) in that particular state, that is, let go oI the distraction. To attain the Iirst dhyana, we must
totally let go oI 'perception and attention accompanied by sensuality (kma,sahagat sa,manasik-
r), and in the other eight levels, we have to let go oI the key Iactor oI the preceding state in order to pro-
gress.
Each sutta closes with a statement on spiritual Iriendship |8|.
19


4 Dhyana and dhyana-Iactors
4.1 DHYANA PERICOPES. A dhyana (fhna) is a deep meditative state when all the five mental hindran-
ces are overcome. The mind goes on to become progressively more still and proIoundly more blissIul.
Emerging Irom such mental stillness, the mind is so clear that it can be used to attain direct knowledge oI
true reality. The still mind goes through four stages of dhyana. The pericopes in the early Buddhist texts,
describe the dhyanas as Iollows:

(1) 'Quite secluded Irom sensual pleasures, secluded Irom unwholesome mental states, he
attains and dwells in the first dhyana, accompanied by initial application (vitakka) and sustained
application (vicra), accompanied by zest (piti) and happiness (sukha), born of solitude
(viveka,fa). |4|
(2) 'With the stilling oI applied application and sustained application, by gaining inner tran-
quillity and oneness oI mind, he attains and dwells in the second dhyana, Iree Irom applied
application and sustained application, accompanied by zest and happiness born of concentration
(samdhi,fa). (S 40.2.4/4:264) SD 24.12
(3) 'With the Iading away oI zest, he remains equanimous, mindIul and clearly knowing, and
experiences happiness with the body. He attains and dwells in the third dhyana, oI which the
noble ones declare, Happily he dwells in equanimity and mindIulness.` (S 40.3.4/4:264) SD
24.13
(4) 'With the abandoning oI pleasure and painand with the earlier disappearance oI happi-
ness and displeasurehe attains and dwells in the fourth dhyana, that is neither painIul nor
pleasant, and with mindIulness Iully puriIied by equanimity. (S 40.4.4/4:265) SD 24.14

The Iourth Iorm dhyana is also the base or starting point (pdaka-f,fhna) Ior the attaining oI superknow-
ledge (abhi).
20


19
Another famous case of spiritual friendship (in connection with meditation) is that described in Meghiya S
(A 9.3/4:354-358 - U 4.1/34-37) = SD 34.2.
20
See eg Smaa,phala S (D 2.89-100/1:78-85) = SD 8.10.
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4.2 SEQUENCE OF ATTAINMENT. The Pabbateyya Gv Sutta (A 9.35) is a very important discourse
in terms oI giving practical instructions in the proper cultivation oI each dhyana beIore proceeding onto
the next.
21
Buddhaghosa quotes this Iirst part oI the Sutta, admonishing that the meditator should not try
to review the dhyana too much when it is Iirst attained. The state must Iirst be suIIiciently cultivated and
stabilized beIore going on into another.
22

In Iact, all the dhyanasthe Iour Iorm dhyanas and the Iour attainmentsare contiguously linked, so
that each time we have to begin with the Iirst dhyana, and progressively attain to and through the Iollow-
ing stages. It is like a Iour-roomed house with only one entrance. Going through that door, we enter the
Iirst room. We must go through the Iirst room to enter the second room, go through the second room to
enter the third room, and we must go through the third room to enter the Iourth room. In the same way,
when exiting, we have to pass through each oI the rooms in reverse.
23

4.3 DHYANA-FACTORS. For these Iorm-dhyanas (as they are called), we can tabulate the respective
dhyana-factors (jhn'aga) as Iollows:

initial sustained one-pointedness
application application zest happiness of mind
1
st
dhyana vitakka vicra pti sukha ('ekaggat')
2
nd
dhyana . . pti sukha ekaggat
3
rd
dhyana . . . sukha ekaggat
4
th
dhyana . . . . ekaggat

From this table, we can see that the dhyanas progress Irom one level to the next by way oI 'Iactor-reduct-
ion, except Ior the Iirst dhyana, where two dhyana Iactors are abandoned to become the second dhyana. In
the Iourth dhyana, only one dhyana-Iactor, namely, one-pointedness, remains.
As regards the Iirst dhyana, it is important to note that the Sutta Iormula does not mention 'one-pointed-
ness oI the mind (cittassa ekaggat) or 'concentration (samdhi). Buddhaghosa, however, argues that it
should be a part oI the Iirst dhyana simply because the Jibhaga says so (Vism 147). The reason that one-
pointedness oI the mind is not mentioned in the canonical Iormula is because oI the presence oI 'initial
application and sustained application (vitakka,vicra), a kind oI subdued mental chatter and investigating
(or thinking and pondering)which prevent any real mental concentration.
24
Only the Abhidhamma Piaka
and later works like the Abhidhammattha,sagaha, and the Sanskrit works, Abhidharma,samuccaya and
Abhidharma,koa regard 'one-pointedness oI mind as a Iactor oI the Iirst dhyana, but there is no evidence
whatsoever in the Pali Canon to support this view.
25

It is useIul to note that these various sets oI dhyana-Iactors mentioned are not the only mental pheno-
mena present in the dhyanas. In the Anupada Sutta (M 111), Ior example, Sriputta gives the Iollowing
additional concomitants: contact, Ieeling, perception, volition, consciousness, desire, decision, energy,
mindIulness, equanimity and attention.
26
The Abhidhamma gives even longer lists oI concomitants. The
Dhamma,saga, Ior example, lists about 60 mental states Ior the Iirst dhyana. The Abhidhammattha,-
sagaha, however, narrows the list down to a set oI 33 distinct concomitants (Abhs: BRS 2.2-5/76-88).

21
A 9.35/4:418-411 = SD 24.3.
22
Vism 4.130-132/153 f.
23
See Bhvan = SD 15.1 (8.6).
24
Asaga in his Abhidharma,samuccaya, says that both applied and sustained applications are 'mental bab-
ble (mano,falpa): while applied application is 'mental babble that seeks (paryeaka mano,falpa), sustained
application is 'mental babble that reviews (pratyavekaka mano,falpa) (Abhds 10). CI Visuddhi,magga: The Iirst
dhyana is disturbed by applied application and sustained application, like water disturbed by ripples and wavelets
(Vism 4.144/156 I). See Rahula 1978:103 I.
25
See Dhyana SD 8.4 (5).
26
M 111.4-11/3:25-27. Phasso vedan sa cetan citta chando adhimokkho viriya sati upekkh manasi-
karo.
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However, only the Iive mentioned in the above table are the dhyana-Iactors oI the Iirst dhyana because
'when these have arisen, dhyana is said to have arisen (Vism 4.107/152).
27

4.4 CULTIVATING AND MASTERING THE DHYANAS. The meditator wishing to master the Iirst dhyana
must do this in two important steps: (1) mastering the meditation sign (nimitta); and (2) gain the Iive
kinds oI mastery (paca vasi). Let us examine them brieIly.
4.4.1 Cultivating the meditation sign (nimitta,vahana). The meditation sign (nimitta) is the
reIlexive or mental image that arises when our meditation is sustained in proper Iocus.
28
The more joy we
put into our meditation, the more easily the nimitta arises and stabilizes.
29
The nimitta or radiant and
blissIul mental sign is merely a reIlection oI our own mind. II we have constantly been keeping our
precepts
30
well, the mind quickly clears up, and the nimitta easily radiates. We must also let go oI the
'doer or 'inner controller.
31
In other words, we cannot make the nimitta happen, but it will arise in its
own time. We can only prepare Ior it in stillness, and welcome it with growing stillness. The nimitta will
then grow oI itselI.
As the radiance grows, we must be careIul to avoid looking at its Iringes. For, we may notice that it is
not so bright there, and become critical oI various other Iaults, so that we are lost in thought and so lose
the radiance. The best way to stabilize the nimitta is to keep the mind calmly Iocussed at its centre, and
enjoy the bliss. At any point, iI we Iace any diIIiculty, simply go back to the stillness oI the breath, to
regain some calm energy.
32

4.4.2 The five kinds of mastery (paca vas). Seasoned meditation masters oIten advise the begin-
ner, on attaining dhyana, to keep it up Ior a sustained period, and not to spend too much time discerning
them.
33
This 'stoking oI the dhyanas is kept up until one gains mastery (vasi,bhva) over them. In this
connection, the Commentaries and later meditation literature speak oI these fivefold mastery (paca
vasi):
34

(1) Mastering the advertence (vaffana,vasi): the ability to bring our mind to dhyana;
(2) Mastering the attainment (sampffana,vasi): entering dhyana quickly and whenever we wish to;
(3) Mastering the resolution (adhihna,vasi): staying in dhyana Ior as long as we have determined to.
(4) Mastering the emergence (vuhna,vasi): easily emerging Irom dhyana at the appointed time;
(5) Mastering the review (paccavekkhaa,vasi): discerning the dhyana Iactors aIter emerging Irom it.
Mastering the advertence means that we are capable oI directing the attention to the dhyana-Iactors,
so that they all arise and stay together in due course. Mastering the attainment means we are able at will
to get into dhyana and stay there Ior a certain duration. Mastering the resolution means that we are able to
remain in dhyana Ior the duration we have pre-determined, and conversely, mastering the emergence
means that we can emerge Irom it without any diIIiculty. Mastering the review means we, on emerging
Irom dhyana, are able to examine immediately all its dhyana-Iactors so that is due course, we are ready to
proceed to the next level.
35






27
For details, see Dhyana SD 8.4; see also Gunaratana, The Path of Serenity and Insight, 1985: 69 I.
28
See Nimitta = SD 19.7.
29
See Ajahn Brahm, Mindfulness, Bliss and Beyond, 2006: 96-99.
30
On the precepts, see Sleyyaka S (M 41/1:285-290) = SD 5.7.
31
See Bhvan = SD 15.1 (8.5; 14); Nimitta = SD 19.7 (4.2); also Ajahn Brahm, Mindfulness, Bliss and
Beyond, 2006: 40.
32
See Ajahn Brahm, Mindfulness, Bliss and Beyond, 2006: 144 f.
33
See eg Pa Auk Sayadaw, Knowing and Seeing, 1999:18, 2003:55.
34
Pm 96 I; Vism 4.131 I/154, 6.24-30/124 I; ApA 108; Abhs:BRS 342; Vism:Be 1:312. See Gunaratana, The
Path of Serenity and Insight, 1985:74-77; Pa-Auk, Knowing and Seeing, 2003:55-58.
35
See Bhvan = SD 15.1 (8.6).
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5 The Iormless attainments
In the Iour Nikayas, the Iour Iormless dhyanas are simply called 'attainments (sampatti),
36
the
'Iormless states (ruppa),
37
or 'spheres (yatana),
38
but in the Commentaries and later literature, they
are called the 'Iormless spheres (arpyatana),
39
'Iormless-sphere dhyanas (arpa-f,fhna or arpa-
vacara-f,fhna),
40
or 'Iormless attainments (arpa,sampatti).
41
The sutta pericope Ior the Iirst Iormless
attainment runs as Iollows:

(5) 'By completely transcending the perceptions oI Iorm (rpa,sa), with the disappear-
ance the perceptions oI sense-reaction |sense-impingement| (patigha,sa), with non-attention
to perceptions oI diversity (natta,sa), aware that Space is inIinite,` he enters upon and
abides in the sphere of infinite space. (S 40.5.4/4:265) SD 24.15

Here, by 'perceptions oI Iorm are meant the sphere oI Iorm dhyana, as well as those objects themselves.
(Vism 10.13/328).
By 'perceptions oI sense-reactions are meant those perceptions that have arisen due to the impact oI
sense-organs (eye, etc) and the sense-objects (visible objects, etc). They are a name Ior the perception oI
visible objects, as it is said: 'What are here the perceptions oI sense-reactions? They are the perceptions
oI visible objects, sounds, etc (Vbh 261). Surely, they no longer exist even Ior one who has entered the
Iirst dhyana, etc, Ior at such a time the Iive-sense consciousness is no longer Iunctioning. Nevertheless,
this is to be understood as having been said in praise oI this Iormless dhyana, in order to spur us on to
strive Ior it. (Vism 10.16/329).
By 'perceptions oI diversity are meant the perceptions arising in the mind (Vbh 261 I). According to
the Visuddhi,magga, this reIers to the various perceptions outside the dhyanas (Vism 10.20/330).
The pericopes Ior the remaining Iour Iormless attainments are as Iollows:

(6) 'By completely transcending the sphere oI inIinite space, aware that Consciousness is
inIinite,` he enters upon and abides in the sphere of infinite consciousness. (S 40.6.4/4:266)
SD 24.16
(7) 'By completely transcending the sphere oI inIinite consciousness, aware that There is
nothing,` he enters upon and abides in the sphere of nothingness. (S 40.7.4/4:267) SD 24.17
(8) 'By completely transcending the sphere oI nothingness, he enters and abides in the
sphere of neither-perception-nor-non-perception. (S 40.8.4/4:268) SD 24.18
(9) 'By non-attention to all signs, he enters and abides in the signless concentration of
mind. (S 40.9.4/4:269) SD 24.19

The Iour Iormless-dhyana spheres (5-8), properly speaking, are simply aspects or modalities oI the Iourth
dhyana, as they possess the same two dhyana-Iactors, namely, one-pointedness and neither-painful-nor-
pleasant feeling (Dhs 68). Buddhaghosa compares the Iour Iormless attainments to a four-storey palace,
with all the floors looking identical. However, the objects oI sense-pleasure at each successive Iloor are
progressively better. Or, they are like four pieces of cloth of identical si:e, but the Iirst is oI thick cloth,
the next oI thin cloth, the one aIter the thinner cloth, and the last oI the thinnest Iabric. The dhyana-Iactors
oI equanimity and one-pointedness are constantly present, but become more reIined at each higher level.
42

The Abhidhamma generally gives a fivefold model oI the Iorm dhyanas instead oI the canonical
IourIold model: the 2
nd
dhyana still has the dhyana-Iactor oI 'applied application (but without 'sustained
application), while the 3
rd
, 4
th
and 5
th
correspond to the 2
nd
, 3
rd
and 4
th
, respectively, oI the IourIold

36
D 3:212; M 3:207; A 1:94, 4:241, 5:156, 158, 160, 162.
37
M 1:33; It 61; Kvu 325; otherwise not so common in the four Nikyas.
38
Or, more generally, as mind-bases (see BDict: yatana). See D 2:69-71; M 2:262-264; A 4:426.
39
A commentarial term: DA 3:785; MA 1;28; DhkA 131.
40
DA 1:219; UA 185; SnA 2:553; ThaA 2:184.
41
DA 2:387, 3:804; MA 4:161; SA 3:127; UA 369.
42
See Gunaratana, The Path of Serenity and Insight, 1985: 119-122.
Samyutta Nikya vol 4 S 40.1 Pahama Jhna Paha Sutta
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division |4|.
43
This IiveIold division is based on such discourses as the Asankhata Sutta (S 43.12)
44
and
the Sankhitta Dhamma Sutta (A 8.63),
45
which distinguish a 'concentration oI merely sustained appli-
cation without applied application (avitakka vicra,matta samdhi).
46
This latter probably corresponds to
the 'intermediate dhyana (dhynantara) oI the Sarvstivda Abhidharma.
47







The Discourse on the Question oI the First Dhyana
(S 40.1/4:262 I)

1 At one time, the venerable Mah Moggallna was dwelling in Antha,pindika`s Park in Jeta,vana.
2 263] There, the venerable Mah Moggallna addressed the monks thus:
'Avuso, bhikshus |Brother monks|!
'Avuso! the monks replied the venerable Mah Moggallna in assent.

Theory
3 The venerable Mah Moggallna said this:
'Here, avuso, during solitary retreat, this application arose in my mind, thus:
48

The Iirst dhyana, the Iirst dhyana,` it is said. What now is the Iirst dhyana?
4 Then, avuso, this occurred to me:
Here, bhikshu, quite secluded Irom sensual pleasures, secluded Irom unwholesome mental states, he
attains and dwells in the first dhyana, accompanied by initial application and sustained application,
accompanied by zest and happiness, born of solitude.
49

This is called the Iirst dhyana.

Practice
5 Then, avuso, quite secluded Irom sensual pleasures, secluded Irom unwholesome mental states, I
attained and dwelled in the first dhyana, accompanied by initial application and sustained application,
accompanied by zest and happiness, born oI solitude.
While I dwelled therein, avuso, perception and attention accompanied by sensuality assailed me.
50


43
See Gunaratana, The Path of Serenity and Insight, 1985: 101-105.
44
S 43.12/4:363.
45
A 8.63/4:301 SD 46.6.
46
The suttas actually speak of three kinds of samadhi: the samadhi with both applied and sustained applications
(savitakka savicra samdhi), the samadhi of merely sustained application without applied application (avitakka,-
vicra.matta samdhi), and the samadhi with neither applied nor sustained application. Cf Vbh 275; Dhs 47; DhsA
224; Vism 127.
47
See ksnacyatana Paha S (S 40.5) = SD 24.15 Intro (1); also Rupert Gethin, The Buddhist Path to
Awakening, 2001: 14 n59.
48
Idha mayham, vuso, rahogatassa patisallinassa evam cetaso parivitakko udapdi.
49
Idha bhikkhu vivicceva kmehi vivicca akusalehi dhammehi savitakkam savicram vivekafam piti,sukham
pathamam fhnam upasampaffa viharati. For a Iuller Iormula, see Smaa,phala S (D 2.77/1:73) SD 8.10 On
the omission oI 'one-pointedness oI mind (cittassa ekaggat) and 'concentration (samdhi) here, see The lay-
man and dhyana SD 8.5.
50
Tassa mayham, vuso, imin vihrena viharato kma,sahagat sa,manasikr samudcaranti. Comy
glosses kma,sahagat as paca,nivarana,sahagat (accompanied by the Iive hindrances) (SA 3:89), ie, he was
assailed by the mental hindrances (sense-desire, ill will, restlessness and remorse, sloth and torpor, and doubt).
Living Word of the Buddha SD vol 24 no 11 S 40.1 The Question of the First Dhyana

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Realization
6 Then, avuso, the Blessed One approached by means oI psychic power and said this to me:
Moggallna, Moggallna! Do not be heedless, brahmin, regarding the Iirst dhyana:

steady the mind in the Iirst dhyana, pathame fhne cittam santhapehi,
uniIy the mind in the Iirst dhyana, pathame fhne cittam ekodim karohi,
concentrate the mind in the Iirst dhyana, pathame fhne cittam samdaha.`

7 Then, avuso, on another occasion, quite secluded Irom sensual pleasures, secluded Irom unwhole-
some mental states, I attained and dwelled in the Iirst dhyana, accompanied by initial application and
sustained application, accompanied by zest and happiness, born oI solitude.

Spiritual Iriendship
8 Now, avuso, iI one were speaking rightly, were to say, He is a disciple who attained to greatness
oI direct knowledge with the help oI the Teacher,`
51

it is oI me that one speaking rightly would say, He is a disciple who attained to greatness oI direct
knowledge with the help oI the Teacher.`


evam


080417; 081020; 081103

51
Satthrnuggahito svako mahbhiatam patto. Here 'greatness oI direct knowledge (mahabhi) in-
cludes Moggallna`s excellence in the psychic powers (iddhi,vidh): see (Pasda,kampana) Moggallna S (S
51.14/5:269-271) SD 57.2 & (Iddhi) Moggallna S (S 51.31/5:288 I) SD 57.3.