Human Development
Dwelling in the second jhana
Description:
Having obtained mastery of the first jhana, the meditator is aware of of the hindrances still being near and of the grossness of applied and sustained thought. The jhana factors are reviewed with full awareness; happiness, bliss and unification appear peaceful. Bringing the subject of meditation to mind, the process of appearance of absorption is gone through again. Stilling applied and sustained thought, the second jhana is entered and dwelt in. These two factors are abandoned, not at the moment of access (as with the hindrances in the first jhana), but at the moment of actual absorption. Now there are three factors - happiness or rapture, bliss, unification or collectedness of mind. Thoughts are no longer discursive, but there is still a feeling of energy, comfort and trust.This jhana is particularly marked by faith or confidence and singleness of mind. Like the first jhana it is said to be good in three ways: beginning (purification of the way), which is [access]; middle (intensification of equanimity), which is [absorption]; end (satisfaction), which is [reviewing]. It also has ten characteristics. Again, through practice, the meditator acquires mastery in the second jhana through the habits of: adverting to the jhana; attaining the jhana; resolving and steadying the duration of the jhana; emerging from the jhana; reviewing the jhana. He can then end his attachment to the second jhana and commence doing what is necessary to attain the third.