Human Development

First absorption in the immaterial sphere

Description:
[Hinayana Buddhism] The mind reaches the [sphere of unbounded space] in the [first absorption]. Its consciousness is of limitless extension. This is the first [jhana], when there are reasoning and deliberation. This state arises from separation, and joy and happiness are experienced.
[Tibetan Gelugpa Buddhism] In this stage of meditation the appearance of forms to the mind completely disappears. Space pervades everywhere.
Context:
[Hinayana Buddhism] The next three absorptions will be in the spheres of of [unbounded consciousness], [nothingness], and [neither-perception-nor-non-perception].
[Tibetan Gelugpa Buddhism] This is the first of the 4 formless absorptions (arupayasamapatti).<