Just as the river Ganges slants, slopes, and inclines towards the east, so too, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu who develops and cultivates the four jhānas slants, slopes, and inclines towards Nibbāna.
– SN 53.1 - 12
Whoever, Ānanda, now or after my passing, dwells as an island unto themselves, with themselves as their own refuge, not dependent on another as a refuge; with the Dhamma as their island, with the Dhamma as their refuge, not dependent on another as a refuge; they, Ānanda, will be the foremost of those who are keen on the training.
– SN 47.13
As one progresses through the jhānas, one’s mind becomes increasingly refined, gradually arising the successive factors of awakening of joy, tranquility, collectedness (concentration) and equanimity (mental poise, unshakability).
The four jhānas are presented along with their factors and how they map to the factors of awakening.
Jhāna 1
Factors
- abandoning of the five hindrances,
- secluded from sensual pleasures,
- secluded from unwholesome states,
- accompanied with reflection and examination of thoughts (or sustained and applied thought),
- with joyful pleasure born of seclusion.
Factors of Awakening
Jhana 1 (5th factor) maps to the awakening factor of joy (rapture) coming into arising firmly. Some tranquility may be present.
Jhāna 2
Factors
- subsiding of reflection and examination (of thoughts),
- has internal tranquility and unification of mind,
- is without reflection and examination, and
- has joyful pleasure born of collectedness.
Factors of Awakening
Jhana 2 (2nd factor) maps to the awakening factor of tranquility coming into arising fully. Collectedness may also be present.
Jhāna 3
Factors
- with the fading away of joyful pleasure,
- dwells equanimous (with mental poise, unshakability),
- mindful,
- fully aware,
- experiences ease with the body
Factors of Awakening
Jhana 3 factors map to the awakening factor of collectedness (concentration) coming into arising fully. Equanimity may also be present.
Jhāna 4
Factors
- abandoning of ease and suffering (discontentment),
- previous disappearance of pleasure and displeasure,
- neither painful nor pleasant,
- purity of equanimity,
- purity of mindfulness.
Factors of Awakening
Jhana 4 factors map to the awakening factor of equanimity (mental poise, unshakability wrt phenomena) coming into arising firmly.