Ian Pitchford

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The hallmark of the fourth jhana is equanimity, though certain emphases in practice may not play up this quality as strongly as in others, and when equanimity really develops, it may not be all that noticeable. Bliss, rapture, happiness, as well as pain and strange occurrences may all stand out in the earlier stages, but equanimity may just feel normal and undramatic, making it subtle at times, or so unremarkable that people may miss it. It is generally described as having a neutral feeling tone (vedana), though paradoxically there can be something really nice about the flavor and tone of that ...more
Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha: An Unusually Hardcore Dharma Book
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