Dhyana in the Buddhist Literature

by Truong Thi Thuy La | 2011 | 66,163 words

Summary: This essay deals with Dhyana (‘meditation’) or Jhana, also defined as ‘rapture’ or ‘ecstasy’ according to Buddhism. Dhyana represents a state of deep meditative absorption which is achieved by focusing the mind on a single object. Meditation practices constitute the very core of the Buddhist approach to life, having as its ultimate aim Enlightenment (the state of Nirvana).

Source 1: exoticindiaart.com
Source 2: shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in

Contents of this online book ( + / - )

The full text of the Dhyana in the Buddhist Literature in English is available here and publically accesible (free to read online). Of course, I would always recommend buying the book so you get the latest edition. You can see all this book’s content by visiting the pages in the below index:

Acknowledgements

+ Chapter 1 - Introduction

. 1.1: Introducing the Problem

. 1.2: Survey of Researches already Conducted on the Topic

. 1.3: Scope and Justification of the Present Work

. 1.4: Organisation of the Present Work

. 1.5: Significance of the Concepts (of Dhyāna)

+ Chapter 2 - The Dhyāna as depicted in Hinayāna Literature

. 2.1: The Meaning and Purpose of Dhyāna

. 2.2: (1a) The Concept of Samatha-bhāvanā

. 2.2: (1b) The Five Hindrances (Nīvarana)

. 2.2: (1c) The Four Jhānas and Their Development