Human Development

Third trance of the fine-material sphere

Description:
[Hinayana Buddhism] The goal of the third trance is a state of equanimity (upekkha), attentiveness and clear consciousness. However, perceptions of joy or pleasure and of pain remain which must be given up to reach to next of the jhana trances.
[Tibetan gelugpa Buddhism] All the concentrations are obtained by means of the 7 preparations. Afflictions and hindrances are overcome by way of the 9 interrupted paths and the 9 paths of release; the ninth path of release from below is the third concentration. Each concentration has branches. The third has 5 branches, 2 types and 3 sub-types.
Context:
This is one of 4 form concentrations (dhyana) found in Tibetan Gelugpa Buddhism.<