Introduction

What Is the Fourth Jhana?

The fourth jhana, a profound meditative state in Buddhist meditation, is often regarded as the pinnacle of the material or fine-material jhanas (rupa jhanas). It represents a stage where the mind rests in a state of complete equanimity (upekkha) and heightened mindfulness (sati), free from the fluctuations of pleasure and pain that characterize the earlier jhanas.

This state is described in the Pali Canon as “purified by equanimity and mindfulness,” offering practitioners a unique opportunity to stabilize their concentration (samadhi) and lay the groundwork for deeper insights into the nature of reality. In the Noble Eightfold Path, the fourth jhana embodies the culmination of Right Concentration (samma samadhi), an essential step toward liberation.

The Importance of the Fourth Jhana

The fourth jhana holds a critical place in the progression of meditation practice. As the last of the material jhanas, it serves as a bridge between the physical and immaterial jhanas (arupa jhanas), which transcend the perception of form entirely. This transition highlights the profound shift from meditating on tangible objects, such as the breath, to more abstract states of consciousness.

More than just a milestone, the fourth jhana is a gateway to vipassana or insight meditation, enabling the meditator to investigate the three marks of existence: impermanence (anicca), suffering (dukkha), and non-self (anatta). The stillness and clarity cultivated in this state create an ideal foundation for observing the subtle workings of the mind and reality.

Characteristics of the Fourth Jhana

Unlike the dynamic joy (piti) of the second jhana or the subdued happiness (sukha) of the third, the fourth jhana is defined by its remarkable stability and neutrality. It is marked by:

• Equanimity (upekkha): A balanced state of mind that is neither drawn to pleasure nor repelled by pain.
• Mindfulness (sati): An acute awareness that pervades the entire experience, free from distraction.
• One-Pointedness (ekaggata): A unified mental focus that holds steady without wavering.

Practitioners often describe this state as serene and effortless, akin to resting in a clear, boundless space of awareness. This sense of balance makes the fourth jhana an essential platform for deeper meditation practices, where insights into the nature of existence can arise spontaneously.

Understanding the Jhanas in Buddhist Meditation

“Just as a skilled craftsman sharpens his tools before using them, the practitioner hones their mind through the jhanas, preparing it for insight and liberation.” — The Buddha, paraphrased from the Pali Canon.

An Overview of the Eight Jhanas

The jhanas, or meditative absorptions, represent progressive stages of concentration (samadhi) in Buddhist meditation. They are traditionally divided into:

• The Four Material Jhanas (rupa jhanas): These involve meditation on tangible objects, like the breath, and are characterized by increasing stillness and refinement of mental states.
• The Four Immaterial Jhanas (arupa jhanas): These transcend the perception of form, focusing instead on abstract experiences, such as infinite space or boundless consciousness.

Each jhana builds upon the foundation of the previous one, guiding the practitioner from gross mental activity to profound stillness and clarity. The fourth jhana is pivotal, acting as the gateway between these two categories.

For an in-depth exploration of all eight jhanas, see my article: Introduction to My Journey with the Jhanas. 

The Role of Concentration (Samadhi)

In Buddhist practice, samadhi—the collected, unified state of the mind—is indispensable for spiritual progress. The jhanas are both the fruit and the vehicle of deep concentration, offering a direct experience of the stillness and clarity that arise when the mind is freed from the five hindrances (nivarana):

1. Sensual desire (kamacchanda),
2. Ill-will (vyapada),
3. Sloth and torpor (thina-middha),
4. Restlessness and worry (uddhacca-kukkucca),
5. Doubt (vicikiccha).

By systematically overcoming these obstacles, the practitioner creates a mental environment conducive to deeper insight and awakening.

The Jhanas and the Noble Eightfold Path

The jhanas are integral to the Buddhist path, particularly as they relate to Right Concentration (samma samadhi), the eighth factor of the Noble Eightfold Path. The Buddha emphasized that cultivating samadhi is essential for developing insight (vipassana), enabling practitioners to directly observe the impermanent, unsatisfactory, and selfless nature of existence.

While the jhanas are not an end in themselves, they prepare the mind for the work of liberation. As the Buddha said in the Digha Nikaya:
“There is no wisdom without concentration, and no concentration without wisdom. When one is established in both, one is close to Nirvana.”

The jhanas are powerful tools for refining the mind, offering a structured path from distraction to stillness, and ultimately to insight. By understanding their place within the Noble Eightfold Path, practitioners can integrate concentration with mindfulness, progressing toward liberation. While this article focuses specifically on the fourth jhana, you can explore the full journey through the jhanas in my detailed guide: Introduction to My Journey with the Jhanas. 

What Is the Fourth Jhana?

The fourth jhana stands as a pinnacle of meditative stillness and balance, embodying profound equanimity (upekkha) and heightened mindfulness (sati). In Buddhist meditation, it is described as “pure, bright, and balanced,” a state where the fluctuations of both pleasure and pain have been transcended. This jhana is not just a deeper meditative state but a foundation for profound insights into the nature of reality.

Characteristics of the Fourth Jhana

The fourth jhana is marked by the following defining characteristics:

1. Equanimity (upekkha):
   Unlike the earlier jhanas, which involve joy (piti) and happiness (sukha), the fourth jhana is characterized by a serene neutrality. This is not indifference but a state of profound emotional balance, where the mind is no longer affected by the pull of pleasure or the push of discomfort.
2. Mindfulness (sati):
   The awareness in the fourth jhana is razor-sharp. Practitioners often describe it as a clear, luminous quality of mind, free from distraction or wavering focus.
3. One-Pointedness (ekaggata):
   The mind in this state is perfectly unified, fully absorbed in the meditation object. This mental stillness is unwavering and stable, creating the ideal conditions for deeper meditative exploration.
4. Freedom from Dualities:
   In the fourth jhana, the dual experiences of pain and pleasure, effort and ease, and even subtle emotional highs and lows fade away. What remains is pure presence and stability.

As the Pali Canon succinctly states, the fourth jhana is “purified by equanimity and mindfulness.”

Comparison with the Earlier Jhanas

To fully grasp the significance of the fourth jhana, it is essential to understand how it contrasts with the first three jhanas:

1. First Jhana:
   This stage emerges when the mind overcomes the five hindrances (nivarana), allowing for the first taste of meditative absorption. It is characterized by the presence of initial application (vitakka) and sustained application(vicara), along with joy (piti) and happiness (sukha). The mind is focused but still active, engaged in subtle mental effort.
2. Second Jhana:
   Joy (piti) intensifies as mental effort diminishes, replaced by a more natural, effortless absorption. Initial and sustained application fade away, leaving the mind unified and steady.
3. Third Jhana:
   Joy (piti) subsides, giving way to a quieter contentment (sukha). The mind becomes more refined, basking in a subtle sense of well-being. However, there is still a trace of emotional engagement with the meditation.
4. Fourth Jhana:
   All emotional engagement, even subtle happiness, dissolves completely. The practitioner rests in pure equanimityand mindfulness, detached from pleasure and pain, yet fully alert and present.

In essence, the fourth jhana represents a profound refinement of the earlier stages. It is a state of stillness that transcends emotional fluctuations and prepares the mind for deeper insight.

The Role of Equanimity and Mindfulness

The hallmark of the fourth jhana is the perfect interplay of equanimity and mindfulness:

• Equanimity (upekkha):
  Equanimity in the fourth jhana is a deeply embodied state of balance. It allows the practitioner to remain steady and unaffected by external stimuli or internal emotional waves. This quality makes the mind a fertile ground for vipassana (insight meditation), as it can now observe reality without bias or attachment.
• Mindfulness (sati):
  Unlike the earlier jhanas, where mindfulness is often intertwined with joy or happiness, in the fourth jhana, it stands alone—pure and untainted. This heightened awareness allows the practitioner to perceive subtler truths about the nature of the mind and existence.

Together, equanimity and mindfulness in the fourth jhana create a stable platform for profound realizations. This balance is often described as the “calm before the storm” of insight, where the mind is finally prepared to see beyond its habitual patterns.

Why the Fourth Jhana Matters

The fourth jhana is not merely a meditative state but a pivotal milestone in the Buddhist path. It is from this platform of stillness that practitioners can transition into the immaterial jhanas (arupa jhanas) or turn their attention toward the development of wisdom (panna). Its qualities of equanimity and mindfulness are essential for understanding the three marks of existence—impermanence (anicca), unsatisfactoriness (dukkha), and non-self (anatta).

As the Buddha taught, “equanimity supported by mindfulness leads to liberation.” The fourth jhana exemplifies this teaching, serving as both a destination and a springboard for further practice.

The Experience of the Fourth Jhana

The fourth jhana represents a turning point in meditation, where the practitioner experiences a profound shift from emotional engagement to a state of neutrality, stillness, and pure clarity. Often referred to as “the mind like a clear blue sky after a storm,” this stage offers stability and balance, free from the fluctuations of joy or distress that characterize earlier jhanas.

Sensory and Mental Experiences

In the fourth jhana, the practitioner transcends all sensations of pleasure (sukha) and pain (dukkha), resting in a state of equanimity (upekkha). This equanimity is not a detached indifference but a balanced, steady awareness that is neither drawn toward nor repelled by experiences.

Key Sensory and Mental Features:

1. Neutrality:
   Unlike the earlier jhanas, where sensations of rapture or contentment dominate, the fourth jhana is marked by a profound absence of sensory extremes. The mind no longer reacts to stimuli but observes them with calm, steady attention.
2. Stillness:
   The mental stillness in this state is unparalleled. All mental factors such as initial and sustained application (vitakka-vicara), which required subtle effort in earlier jhanas, are now fully relinquished. The mind is like a body of water undisturbed by even the slightest ripple.
3. Clarity:
   Awareness in the fourth jhana is described as “bright” or “pure.” This clarity arises because the mind is no longer clouded by emotional fluctuations, sensory distractions, or conceptual activity. Mindfulness (sati) becomes sharp and untainted, providing the foundation for deep insight into the nature of reality.

Descriptions from Buddhist Texts

The Pali Canon offers vivid descriptions of the fourth jhana, emphasizing its qualities of equanimity and mindfulness. One key passage from the Digha Nikaya (DN 2) states:
“Again, with the abandoning of pleasure and pain, and with the previous disappearance of joy and grief, one enters and dwells in the fourth jhana, which has neither-pain-nor-pleasure and purity of mindfulness due to equanimity.”

This text highlights the dual nature of the fourth jhana: it is both an absence of extremes and the presence of refined mental qualities. The “purity of mindfulness” (sati parisuddhi) reflects the mind’s readiness for vipassana (insight meditation), while equanimity (upekkha) provides the emotional stability necessary for sustained focus.

Another metaphor, found in the Visuddhimagga, compares the fourth jhana to “a man sitting in the shade after escaping the heat of the sun.” This imagery captures the cooling, calming nature of this state, which feels like an oasis of peace after the vibrancy and activity of earlier stages.

Common Metaphors and Practical Insights

Practitioners often use metaphors to describe their experience of the fourth jhana, which can be helpful for beginners and seasoned meditators alike. These metaphors emphasize the unique qualities of this state:

1. “A Clear Blue Sky After a Storm”:
   This metaphor reflects the mental clarity and stillness of the fourth jhana. Just as the storm clouds of joy (piti) and contentment (sukha) dissipate, leaving the sky bright and open, the mind becomes calm and spacious, free from turbulence.
2. “A Candle Flame in a Windless Room”:
   This imagery conveys the unwavering focus and steadiness of the fourth jhana. The mind is no longer buffeted by thoughts or emotions but remains perfectly still and luminous.
3. “A Lake Undisturbed by Waves”:
   Like a mirror-smooth lake, the mind in this state reflects reality with perfect clarity. This metaphor captures the absence of dualities—pleasure and pain, effort and ease—that defines the fourth jhana.

Practical Guidance for Beginners and Advanced Practitioners

For Beginners: Entering the Fourth Jhana

• Preparation:
  Begin by mastering the first three jhanas, ensuring that you can transition smoothly between them. Develop a strong foundation of concentration (samadhi) by focusing on a single object, such as the breath or a mental image.
• Letting Go:
  To enter the fourth jhana, consciously release any attachment to the subtle pleasure (sukha) of the third jhana. Focus on cultivating equanimity and allow your mind to rest naturally in the meditation object.
• Avoid Striving:
  Progressing to the fourth jhana requires letting go of effort. If you find yourself striving or trying to “achieve” this state, gently return to the qualities of mindfulness and ease.

For Seasoned Practitioners: Refining the Fourth Jhana

• Deepen Mindfulness:
  Use the heightened clarity and stillness of the fourth jhana to explore subtle mental phenomena. Observe how the mind responds to sensory input and how equanimity creates a stable platform for insight.
• Balance Equanimity and Mindfulness:
  Ensure that your equanimity does not slide into complacency. Pair it with active mindfulness to maintain a balance between restfulness and alertness.
• Transition to Vipassana:
  The fourth jhana is the ideal platform for developing vipassana. Use this state to observe the three characteristics of existence (anicca, dukkha, anatta), gaining insight into the impermanent, unsatisfactory, and selfless nature of reality.

The fourth jhana offers a unique experience of neutrality, stillness, and clarity, making it a pivotal stage in meditative practice. Described vividly in Buddhist texts and captured through evocative metaphors, this state provides a stable foundation for both concentration and insight. Whether you are new to jhana practice or looking to deepen your understanding, cultivating the fourth jhana allows for a transformative journey into the nature of the mind.

The Path to the Fourth Jhana

Reaching the fourth jhana requires dedication, patience, and a systematic approach to meditation. It is not a leap but a gradual refinement of the mind through mastering the first three jhanas, overcoming obstacles, and cultivating deep concentration (samadhi). Below is a roadmap to help guide practitioners toward this profound state.

Building the Foundation: Mastering the First Three Jhanas

The fourth jhana is built on the stability developed in the preceding stages of jhana practice. Each jhana lays the groundwork for the next by refining the mind and preparing it for greater stillness and equanimity.

1. First Jhana:
• Focus on overcoming the five hindrances (nivarana), which block concentration:
• Sensual desire (kamacchanda).
• Ill-will (vyapada).
• Sloth and torpor (thina-middha).
• Restlessness and worry (uddhacca-kukkucca).
• Doubt (vicikiccha).
• Develop strong initial application (vitakka) and sustained application (vicara) on the meditation object to stabilize the mind.
2. Second Jhana:
• Let go of effortful mental application. Allow the mind to naturally focus, as joy (piti) intensifies and the meditation becomes effortless.
3. Third Jhana:
• Transition from vibrant joy (piti) to subtler contentment (sukha). Begin to cultivate equanimity (upekkha) by observing the fading of emotional engagement.

Each step involves a progressive refinement of the mind, moving from active engagement to deep stillness.

Overcoming the Five Hindrances

The five hindrances (nivarana) are the primary obstacles that prevent entry into the jhanas. They must be fully overcome for the mind to achieve the clarity and focus required for the fourth jhana. Here are practical ways to address each hindrance:

• Sensual Desire: Use meditation on unattractive or neutral objects (e.g., breath or elements like earth or air) to reduce attachment to sensory pleasures.
• Ill-Will: Cultivate metta (loving-kindness) meditation to replace aversion with goodwill.
• Sloth and Torpor: Emphasize energy by adjusting posture, using bright visualization, or practicing mindfulness of physical sensations.
• Restlessness and Worry: Focus on the breath and slow your exhalation to calm the mind.
• Doubt: Reflect on past experiences of success in meditation or draw inspiration from teachings in the Pali Canon.

By addressing these hindrances systematically, the mind becomes steady and ready for deeper states of absorption.

Developing Deep Concentration and Letting Go

The fourth jhana demands the highest level of concentration (samadhi), but it also requires a delicate balance between effort and letting go. Here’s how to develop the necessary focus:

1. Single-Pointed Focus:
• Use a meditation object, such as the breath or a mental image, and remain unwavering in your attention. Allow the mind to settle deeply without distraction.
2. Release Joy and Happiness:
• Recognize that joy (piti) and happiness (sukha) are refined but temporary states. As they fade, focus on cultivating equanimity (upekkha), observing sensations without attachment or aversion.
3. Let Go of Striving:
• Progressing to the fourth jhana requires letting go of the desire to “achieve” it. Trust the process and allow the mind to rest naturally in the present moment.

Practical Meditation Techniques for Transitioning to the Fourth Jhana

The transition into the fourth jhana involves fine-tuning your practice to shift from subtle engagement to complete stillness. Below are techniques to help ease the transition:

The Breath as a Gateway:

• Focus on the breath as a stable meditation object. As concentration deepens, begin to notice the subtle spaces between breaths. This can help cultivate the neutrality and stillness required for the fourth jhana.

Body Scan for Neutrality:

• Perform a body scan to release any lingering tension or attachment to pleasurable sensations. Pay attention to neutral sensations and observe them with equanimity.

The Practice of Equanimity:

• Reflect on the impermanence of joy and happiness, acknowledging them as transient. Shift your focus to cultivating upekkha, the balanced awareness that defines the fourth jhana.

Visualization of Stillness:

• Use mental imagery, such as a calm lake or a candle flame in a windless room, to guide your mind toward the stillness of the fourth jhana.

Mindful Observation:

• As the mind enters deeper states, practice mindful observation of how pleasure and pain fade. This practice sharpens your awareness and prepares you for the neutral clarity of the fourth jhana.

The path to the fourth jhana is one of gradual refinement. By mastering the first three jhanas, overcoming the five hindrances, and developing deep concentration, practitioners can create the conditions necessary for this profound state of equanimity and clarity. For those looking to deepen their practice, the key lies in balancing effort with letting go and cultivating the neutrality that defines the fourth jhana.

The Teachings of the Fourth Jhana

The fourth jhana, as described in the Pali Canon, holds a pivotal role in the Buddha’s teachings on meditation. This state of pure equanimity (upekkha) and mindfulness (sati) is not just an advanced meditative attainment; it is a critical tool for deeper insight and liberation. As part of the Noble Eightfold Path, it embodies Right Concentration (samma samadhi), serving as both a culmination of focused practice and a gateway to vipassana (insight meditation).

The Fourth Jhana in the Buddha’s Teaching

The fourth jhana is mentioned in several key discourses, underscoring its importance in the meditative path. In the Digha Nikaya (DN 22), the Buddha explains:

“With the abandoning of pleasure and pain, and with the previous disappearance of joy and grief, one enters and dwells in the fourth jhana, which is neither-painful-nor-pleasant and includes the purification of mindfulness due to equanimity.”

This description highlights the fourth jhana as a state free from emotional fluctuations, where the mind is purified and stable. The Buddha often taught that this state is essential for transitioning from samatha (tranquil meditation) to vipassana, the practice of seeing reality as it truly is.

In early Buddhism, the fourth jhana was revered as the stepping stone to the supramundane jhanas, which transcend the material and immaterial realms. Its qualities of clarity, stillness, and neutrality provide the optimal mental conditions for understanding the Four Noble Truths and the impermanent (anicca), unsatisfactory (dukkha), and non-self (anatta) nature of existence.

Connection to the Noble Eightfold Path

The fourth jhana is the embodiment of Right Concentration (samma samadhi), the eighth factor of the Noble Eightfold Path. It represents the culmination of focused effort, integrating the preceding path factors—especially Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right View.

• Right Concentration:
  In the Buddha’s teaching, Right Concentration is defined as the four jhanas, with the fourth jhana as the pinnacle of the fine material jhanas. It is described as the point where the mind is fully unified (ekaggata), free from distractions and emotional disturbances, and ready for profound insight.
• The Noble Path and Liberation:
  By cultivating Right Concentration through the fourth jhana, practitioners prepare the mind for liberation(nibbana). The stability and equanimity developed in this state allow meditators to directly observe the five aggregates (khandhas)—form, feeling, perception, mental formations, and consciousness—as impermanent and not-self.

How the Fourth Jhana Supports Vipassana

The fourth jhana is not an end in itself but a means to prepare the mind for vipassana (insight meditation). In Buddhist meditation, samatha and vipassana are complementary practices, with the fourth jhana serving as the bridge between them.

Purity of Mindfulness:

In the fourth jhana, the practitioner achieves “purity of mindfulness due to equanimity” (upekkha-sati-parisuddhi). This state of refined mindfulness enables a precise, unobstructed observation of mental and physical phenomena.

Integrating Stillness and Insight

The fourth jhana bridges the gap between tranquility (samatha) and insight (vipassana), showing that stillness and clarity are not opposites but partners in the meditative path.

• Practical Insight:
  When life feels overwhelming, pause to reconnect with the qualities of stillness and clarity. Reflect on how this balance mirrors the harmony achieved in the fourth jhana.
• Exercise for Integration:
  After a stressful day, sit quietly for a few minutes. Breathe deeply and observe your thoughts without judgment. Notice how clarity naturally arises when you stop trying to control the mind.

Key Takeaway

The teachings of the fourth jhana are not confined to the meditation cushion. They provide a framework for navigating life with grace, patience, and wisdom. By cultivating equanimity, mindfulness, and non-attachment, you can bring the profound insights of this meditative state into your everyday interactions, fostering a life of deeper peace and understanding.

As you integrate these lessons, remember the importance of patience and consistency. The journey of meditation ebbs and flows, much like life itself. Be kind to yourself, and trust that the steady practice of these principles will guide you toward greater balance and fulfillment.

Conclusion: Embracing the Journey of the Fourth Jhana

The fourth jhana stands as a profound milestone in meditative practice, embodying the essence of balance, clarity, and equanimity. It is a state that transcends the emotional fluctuations of earlier jhanas, offering practitioners a space of stillness where both the body and mind rest in perfect harmony. More than just a meditative achievement, it serves as a gateway to deeper insight, self-discovery, and spiritual growth.

For those beginning this journey, remember that progress in meditation is not linear, nor is it a race. Challenges, frustrations, and even misconceptions are part of the learning process. By embracing patience, self-compassion, and a willingness to adapt, you will find that each step brings its own rewards. Whether you are just starting to explore the jhanas or are refining your understanding of the fourth jhana, know that this practice is as much about the process as it is about the destination.

For seasoned meditators, the fourth jhana is an invitation to deepen your exploration of equanimity (upekkha) and mindfulness (sati). It is not the end goal but a platform for cultivating wisdom and insight (vipassana), as well as preparing for the formless states and the ultimate realization of liberation. Let it serve as a reminder of the balance between effort and surrender, between striving and letting go.

As the Buddha taught, meditation is a path of gradual refinement—a practice that transforms not just the mind but also how we engage with the world. By integrating the teachings of the fourth jhana into daily life, you can carry its equanimity, mindfulness, and stability into every interaction, decision, and moment.

“Meditate, monks. Do not delay, or you will regret it later. This is our instruction to you.”

– The Buddha (Dhammapada, Verse 276)

May your journey be steady and fulfilling, and may the insights you gain from the fourth jhana guide you toward greater peace, wisdom, and clarity—both on and off the meditation cushion.