In the life story of Shakyamuni Buddha, there was an episode when he approached 2 meditation masters to learn the highest meditation. In ancient languages, these wise sages are called Rishi. Consequently, some people mistakenly believe that Shakyamuni Buddha became enlightened after receiving teachings from the Rishi(s).

The lineage of Rishi (Sanskrit) or Rueshi (Thai) is still alive today. Having been passed down the generation. From a modern perspective, these wise men are akin to modern-day spiritualists or new-age masters, each with their own method of developing spiritual well-being. Not saying they are bad. But the point is, they are not Buddhist.

It is therefore paramount to know that Siddhartha had dismissed certain meditative states that were taught by his 2 meditation teachers. Similarly, he had also rejected their meditation techniques and method.

So what are the meditative states that Buddhists avoid and why?

They are the 5th to 8th meditative Jhana and we avoid developing them because

1. They can be addictive and people tend to mistaken these meditative trance as enlightenment.
2. Such meditative powers cause rebirth in the formless realm. Due to their addictive nature, one then to escape into these state just before death.
3. In the formless realm, one will not have the opportunity to interact with others. Therefore, there is no way to rectify the situation by encountering Buddha’s teachings after we are reborn in the formless realm.
4. The formless realms are not eternal. Although lifespan is infinitely long, one will still exhaust the karmic energy from the Jhana and be “ejected” out of that realm. It is like being forcefully evicted from your safe corner. Resentment will arise involuntarily and that will propel our mind toward a state of existence whereby resentment is inherent. (ie. the lower realm)

So what are the meditative states or subject to avoid?

• “Sphere of Infinite Space” (level 5 Jhana): By letting go of everything during meditation and focusing our perception on an infinitely pervasive space that is inactive and peaceful. Imagine a huge space where we become invisible or without a form. Certain schools of Buddhism may practice this meditation but there is a purpose for that and it is very very important that you have a qualified teacher who knows how to guide you along the way. If not, try not to do it.

• The “Sphere of Infinite Consciousness” (level 6 Jhana) is a deeper meditative absorption where one focus further in letting go and consciousness merges with the aforesaid infinite space, leading to a sense of oneness. A pervasive consciousness. Some people may inevitably conclude that they are one with nature or the universe, often described as merging with the universe’s energy or merging with the ultimate divine. As can be seen, it is a beautiful experience that people associate it with being divine.
  
• “Sphere of Nothingness” (Level 7 Jhana): With the refined perception that is pervasive and peaceful, one retreats further, “focuses” further, and embraces the notion of absolute emptiness or nothingness, that is characteristic of infinite space. Some people misunderstand this as Buddhist “Shunyata” or emptiness. But Buddhist shunyata is not nothingness. This meditation was taught by Master Alara and Siddhartha had already rejected it. Similarly, some people may misunderstand this to be nirvana.
  
• The deepest meditative absorption is termed the “Sphere of neither perception nor non-perception” (Nevasaññānāsaññāyatana) (Level 8 Jhana). It involves a state of non-perception where one lets go of the earlier perception or notion of nothingness but remains somewhat conscious. Some Buddhist meditators may mistakenly believe they have reached enlightenment when they arrive at this level of meditative bliss because they conclude that the “I” has been eliminated when their perception ceased. Master Udaka’s father, Rama taught this and it was also rejected by Siddhartha.

The aforesaid meditative states are also called Samadhi. Meditators can remain meditating without food or drinks for days and their breathing may even seem to cease. Some believe that it is similar to hibernation. But from a spiritual perspective, it is more than just hibernating.

From the above lessons, we should understand that Buddhist shunyata or non-“I” is not about arriving at a “Nothingness” or empty space or negating everything.

When Buddhists practice Concentration meditation to gain Jhana, we stop at level 4. Then we switch to Vipassana meditation to ripen our wisdom so that we can perceive the ultimate reality of existence to be freed from it.

The aforesaid meditation only condition our mind to retreat into a suspended state of being. Like hiding in a safe room or retreating into a safe corner. It offers “temporary” respite or escape only.

May all be well and happy.