ABSTRACT
As pointed out by Rupert Gethin, the parallelism between the seven bojjhaṅgas and the attainment of the jhānas is not accidental. 2 Looking at the four jhānas in parallel with the bojjhaṅga process formula can shed light on several issues. Among these issues is the similitude between certain jhānic and bojjhaṅga factors, which at fi rst glance seem to designate different mental qualities. Parallel comparison will also show that the bojjhaṅga process formula presents a process-oriented perspective in which the ‘factors of awakening’ can be developed in various levels of stability and strength. This will support my contention that the bojjhaṅgas can be developed to a certain extent before one attains the jhānas but they can be fulfi lled as ‘factors of awakening’ only when the jhānas are attained. Lastly, paralleling the two models will clarify the obscure relation between the second and third jhānas . This last point will be addressed here only succinctly since it will be discussed thoroughly in the next chapter.
