jhana

Translated as meditative absorption, jhana refers to states of deep concentration in which the mind is withdrawn from sensory distraction and unified with a meditation object. These absorptions cultivate mental stability, clarity, and pleasure born of concentration. In Buddhist practice, Jhana is understood as a preparatory discipline rather than insight itself; it supports—but does not replace—direct realization of the nature of reality. Classical sources describe eight jhanas, comprising four form absorptions and four formless absorptions.