Stillness Beyond Bliss: The Equanimity of Jhāna and Purification

Together, let’s explore the profound terrain of jhāna—a Pali term meaning “meditative absorption”—and how equanimity emerges as a central force in its deepest stages. These states of deep concentration are not just about peace or bliss, but about arriving at a radical stillness where distractions dissolve and the mind becomes clear, unwavering, and impartial.

We delve into:

·       The progression through the jhānas, especially the third and fourth, where equanimity becomes dominant.

·       The distinction between physical and mental sensations, and how their transcendence reveals the purity of mindfulness.

·       The concept of the equanimity of purification, a mental quality that stills all opposition and polishes the mind to a bright, imperturbable clarity.

·       How mindfulness and equanimity work in tandem to support awakening—and how these factors were central in the Buddha’s own path to enlightenment.

Whether you're a longtime practitioner or just beginning your meditation journey, this episode offers both a practical and philosophical guide to understanding equanimity—not as detachment, but as luminous balance.