The five absorption factors
82 Following in the Buddha's Footsteps
Venerable Thubten Chodron 
Volume 4 Following in the Buddha's Footsteps 
Jan 30, 2026 Part of an ongoing series of teachings based on the book Following in the Buddha's Footsteps, the fourth volume in The Library of Wisdom and Compassion series by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Venerable Thubten Chodron.
- Attaining the first dhyana by cultivating the five absorption factors
- Analysis, investigation, joy, bliss and one-pointedness
- Hindrance counteracted by each of the absorption factors
- Becoming familiar with antidotes to afflictions
- Serenity and wisdom
- Right concentration in terms of developing four form realm dhyanas
82 The Five Absorption Factors (download)
Contemplation points
- What are the five absorption factors and how does each of the factors help a meditator to suppress the five hindrances to attain the first dhyana?
- What is the difference between these five absorption factors and how we normally think of these terms in worldly life? Really spend time imagining what each of these factors might be from a Dharma perspective and what it would mean for your life and spiritual practice.
- Connect each of the five absorptions with the hindrances that it predominantly counteracts. Take some time to contemplate why this is true for each.
- Alone, attaining the five absorptions, suppressing the hindrances, and attaining the dhyanas are not nirvana. What is the only path to nirvana and what role do these other practices play in our attaining it?
- Why is monastic life described as being most beneficial for attaining concentration?
Venerable Thubten Chodron
Venerable Chodron emphasizes the practical application of Buddha’s teachings in our daily lives and is especially skilled at explaining them in ways easily understood and practiced by Westerners. She is well known for her warm, humorous, and lucid teachings. She was ordained as a Buddhist nun in 1977 by Kyabje Ling Rinpoche in Dharamsala, India, and in 1986 she received bhikshuni (full) ordination in Taiwan. Read her full bio.
