ABSTRACT
The previous chapters that analyzed the fi rst and second jhānas have also argued for their liberative value in the path to awakening. This was made possible by analyzing diverse passages on the nature of these two jhāna attainments (and their specifi c factors). Unfortunately, the Nikāyas contain only a few explicit references to the liberative value of the third jhāna . However, we do have some interesting references that can shed light on the nature of this attainment and through which we can extract some illuminating conclusions on its liberative value. In this chapter I will explore further the preliminary inquiry and tentative arguments I put forth in the previous chapter concerning the fi nal account from the ‘ bojjhaṅga process formula’. This will assist in understanding the nature of this attainment as the intensifi cation of insight engendered by observing the jhānic mind. A close analysis of the fi nal account from the bojjhaṅga process formula will also clarify the way one progresses from the second to the third jhāna ; analysis of this progression reinforces my argument that the jhānas are the fruit of insight.
