The mundane form and formless realm

• Four form realm meditative absorptions
• Seven contemplations
• Suppressing three grades of great, middling and small afflictions of the lower dhyana
• Unpolluted paths and liberated paths
• Causal absorption and resultant birth absorption
• Pure, unpolluted and afflictive states of meditative absorption
• Antidotal factors, benefits and basis
• Progression through four form realm absorptions
• Four form realm dhyana is the best basis for attaining path of seeing
• Four formless realm meditative absorptions
• Limitless space, limitless consciousness, nothingness and peak of samsara
• Stabilization is the main aspect of formless realm absorptions

66 The Mundane Form and Formless Realm (download)

Contemplation points

1. What are the two antidotes, two benefits, and basis of the first dhyana? Describe each and why they arise during this meditative absorption.
2. What is the difference between the causal and resultant-birth absorption of the first dhyana? Describe what occurs in each.
3. What do meditators then practice to gain the subsequent three dhyanas?
4. What are the one antidote, two benefits and one basis of the second dhyana? Describe each and why they arise during this meditative absorption.
5. What are the five dhyanic factors of the third dhyana (two antidotal, one benefit, and one basis)? Describe each and why they arise during this meditative absorption.
6. What are the four dhyanic factors of the fourth dhyana (three antidotal, one benefit, and one basis)? Describe each and why they arise during this meditative absorption.
7. Describe some of the defining characteristics of the four meditative absorptions of the formless realm. What is the observed object of each?