As I see it, the rupa jhanas have a specific object on what one rests the mind on, and only with the arupa jhanas one changes from specific object to a "non-object", like infinite space.
As for the progression of jhanas, it moves from holding a specific object of focus, through the enjoyment of the peace coming from one pointedness, until one arrives at an unmoving mind. So the first jhana is about returning again and again to the object, the second and third about the pleasure of the stable mind, and the fourth is just the stable mind. The formless absorptions are about abandoning the experiences as identities. So, here is my model.
Access Concentration
I don't use this category. Here could be mentioned the usual requirements to begin meditation.
First Jhana
Vitakka and vicara are present to establish the mind repeatedly on the object, and this is the primary element to work with, while the others are supporting factors. Piti is the joy of resting, like when one can lie down after a tiring walk. Sukha is the contentment of peace, like when one is finished with a task and there's nothing more to do. Ekaggata is the one pointedness of attention, the quality of being focused internally on the body and mind.
Second Jhana
With the mind further withdrawn and stabilised, there is no need to remind oneself of the object of attention, and one is absorbed in the joy of rest, with contentment and one pointedness in the background.
Third Jhana
When the more intensive joy is let go as well, one rests content within the seclusion of internally focused mind.
Fourth Jhana
The feeling of contentment with peaceful abiding abandoned, there is just the one pointed mind that is unmoved by appearances.
Infinite space
With the mind that is stable in peace there is no need to hold any sensory objects, thus the senses go unfocused and they rest open and unmoved.
Infinite Consciousness
The attention moves from the lack of objects to the lack of senses, hence consciousness itself is unbound and uniform.
Infinite Nothingness
Without object to focus on, or a specific state of mind to maintain, one comes to the experience that there is nothing at all.
Neither Perception nor Non-Perception
But holding that there is nothing is still something perceived, one realises that experiencing itself is unreliable, and abandons that as well.
As for the progression of jhanas, it moves from holding a specific object of focus, through the enjoyment of the peace coming from one pointedness, until one arrives at an unmoving mind. So the first jhana is about returning again and again to the object, the second and third about the pleasure of the stable mind, and the fourth is just the stable mind. The formless absorptions are about abandoning the experiences as identities. So, here is my model.
Access Concentration
I don't use this category. Here could be mentioned the usual requirements to begin meditation.
First Jhana
Vitakka and vicara are present to establish the mind repeatedly on the object, and this is the primary element to work with, while the others are supporting factors. Piti is the joy of resting, like when one can lie down after a tiring walk. Sukha is the contentment of peace, like when one is finished with a task and there's nothing more to do. Ekaggata is the one pointedness of attention, the quality of being focused internally on the body and mind.
Second Jhana
With the mind further withdrawn and stabilised, there is no need to remind oneself of the object of attention, and one is absorbed in the joy of rest, with contentment and one pointedness in the background.
Third Jhana
When the more intensive joy is let go as well, one rests content within the seclusion of internally focused mind.
Fourth Jhana
The feeling of contentment with peaceful abiding abandoned, there is just the one pointed mind that is unmoved by appearances.
Infinite space
With the mind that is stable in peace there is no need to hold any sensory objects, thus the senses go unfocused and they rest open and unmoved.
Infinite Consciousness
The attention moves from the lack of objects to the lack of senses, hence consciousness itself is unbound and uniform.
Infinite Nothingness
Without object to focus on, or a specific state of mind to maintain, one comes to the experience that there is nothing at all.
Neither Perception nor Non-Perception
But holding that there is nothing is still something perceived, one realises that experiencing itself is unreliable, and abandons that as well.
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