The essence of Buddhist meditation - Dhyana of the Ten Perfections (3/3)

Dhyana in Vajrayana Buddhism 

Dhyana (in Tibetan: bsam gtan) (lit. “mental absorption”) One of a series of increasingly concentrated states attained in placement meditation. 

On the basis of the attainment of tranquil abiding, one may pass through four form-world absorptions and four formless absorptions, with the meditative equipoise of cessation sometimes added as a ninth. 

Mental absorptions may result in various yogic achievements, but they do not assure liberation unless combined with superior insight into the nature of reality.

Dhyana (meditation) refers to one of the six limbs of yoga to be employed in Uttamasev (excellent worship), according to the Guhyasamaja chapter 18. 

The Guhyasamaja chapter 18. Dhyana (meditation) is explained as the conception of the five desired objects through the five Dhyāni Buddhas, namely, Vairocana, Ratnasambhava, Amitabha, Amoghasiddhi, and Akṣobhya.

This Dhyana is again subdivided into five kinds:
1) Vitarka (cogitation)
2) Vicara (thinking)
3) Priti (pleasure)
4) Sukha (happiness)
5) Ekagrata (concentration) 

Dhyana in Buddhism glossary 

1) Dhyana (meditation) or dhyanaparamita represents the fifth of the “six perferctions” (satparamita) as defined in the Dharma-saṃgraha (section 17).

The Dharma-samgraha (Dharmasangraha) is an extensive glossary of Buddhist technical terms in Sanskrit. The work is attributed to Nagarjuna, who lived around the 2nd century A.D.

Dhyana forms, besides being a part of the “six perfections” (satparamita), also a part of the “ten perfections” (dasa-paramita).

What are the 10 perfections of the Buddha?

The ten perfections in the Mahayana tradition are: 

1) Generosity (dana)

2) Ethical self-discipline (Shila) 

3) Patience (kshanti) 

4) Perseverance (virya) 

5) Concentration (dhyana)

6) Wisdom (prajna) 

7) Skilfulness (upaya) 

8) Aspirational prayer (pranidhana) 

9) Strengthening (bala) 

10) Deep awareness (jnana) 

2) Dhyana (absorption) or Caturdhyana refers to the “four absorptions” as defined in the Dharma-saṃgraha (section 72):

The first absorption has thinking, reflection, and the happiness and joy born of seclusion.

The second has internal clarity and happiness and joy. The third is equanimous, mindful, and has full knowledge. 

The fourth absorption has complete purity of mindfulness and equanimity, with a feeling that is neither unpleasant nor pleasant.

3) Dhyana (meditation) or Tridhyana also refers to the “three kinds of meditation” as defined in the Dharma-samgraha (section 109

A) sadoṣosao pakarsa-dhyana (editation with fault that leads to decay)

B) sukhavaiharika-dhyana (meditation that is a happy abiding),

C) Asesasaibhusita-dhyana (meditation that is entirely magnificent).

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