Dwelling in the fivefold jhana (Buddhism)

As opposed to the system of four jhanas, each of which is dwelt in successively, a fifth jhana may occur between the first and second. This may then be referred to as the second jhana, and the second, third and fourth jhanas of the fourfold system referred to as the third, fourth and fifth of the fivefold system.

The second jhana of the fivefold system is as follows:< Having obtained mastery of the first jhana, the meditator is aware of the hindrances still being near and of the grossness of applied thought. The jhana factors are reviewed with full awareness; sustained thought, 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 thought, the second jhana is entered and dwelt in. Applied thought is 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 four factors - sustained thought, happiness or rapture, bliss, unification or collectedness 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.