Attainment of cessation (Buddhism)

Unlike total cessation in [nirvana]

, in this state mental activity is only eliminated temporarily although it may last several days. It is the state of an Arhat who has transcended the four [arupaloka]

(immaterial) states and who has achieved total tranquillity - [samatha]

- and insight - [vipasyana]

. Samjnavedayitanirodha refers to that state when not only are sensation and conceptualization suspended, but all physical, verbal and mental functions of the practitioner cease and subside. The distinguishing features between this state and death are said to be that the vitality is not destroyed, that heat is not totally extinguished, and the sense organs, far from being dispersed, are purified and ready to perform their functions perfectly when called upon to do so. The residual vitality or life-principle and physical bodily heat are sufficient for it to be possible to leave the condition and resume normal life. Otherwise, to the observer, the practitioner appears dead, breathing ceases and he does not respond to any external stimuli. Such a state has been compared to a cataleptic trance or to an animal in deep hibernation.

This state has been described as that following the series of jhana or arupaloka series and as such can be considered the fifth in a five-fold series in the immaterial sphere.