Translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu
Firstly, there is an individual who, having withdrawn from sensuality and unwholesome qualities, enters and abides in the first jhana. This state is characterized by rapture and pleasure born from withdrawal, accompanied by directed thought and evaluation. Savoring this experience, such an individual longs for it, finds satisfaction, and stays fixed on that state. Dwelling there often and not falling away, upon death, this person reappears in conjunction with the devas of Brahma’s retinue. These devas have a life-span of an eon. An ordinary person having stayed there, exhausting the devas’ life-span, undergoes rebirths in hell, the animal womb, or the state of hungry shades. In contrast, a disciple of the Blessed One, having used up the devas’ life-span, attains liberation right in that state.
Secondly, an individual may enter the second jhana, characterized by the stilling of directed thoughts and evaluations, experiencing rapture and pleasure born of composure. Longing for and finding satisfaction in this state, such a person, dwelling there often and not falling away, upon death, reappears in conjunction with the Abhassara devas. The Abhassara devas have a life-span of two eons. An ordinary person staying there exhausts the devas’ life-span and faces subsequent rebirths, while a disciple of the Blessed One attains liberation in that state.
The third type of individual enters the third jhana, characterized by equanimity, mindfulness, and the sensing of pleasure with the body as rapture fades away. Longing for and finding satisfaction in this state, such a person, dwelling there often and not falling away, upon death, reappears in conjunction with the Subhakinha devas. These devas have a life-span of four eons. An ordinary person having stayed there exhausts the devas’ life-span, undergoing rebirths, while a disciple of the Blessed One attains liberation in that state.
Lastly, there is an individual who enters the fourth jhana, marked by the abandoning of pleasure and stress, residing in purity of equanimity and mindfulness. Savoring this state, such a person longs for it, finds satisfaction, and stays fixed on that. Dwelling there often and not falling away, upon death, this individual reappears in conjunction with the Vehapphala devas. The Vehapphala devas have a life-span of 500 eons. An ordinary person having stayed there exhausts the devas’ life-span, facing subsequent rebirths, while a disciple of the Blessed One attains liberation in that state.
These distinctions highlight the difference between an educated disciple of the noble ones and an uneducated run-of-the-mill person regarding their destinations and reappearances. These are the four types of individuals found in the world.”
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