The Meaning of Bodhi and Vipassanā

The conscious mind before the first dhyāna (meditative absorption) possesses both initial awareness and sustained observation. Between the first dhyāna and the second dhyāna, there is no initial awareness but there is sustained observation. From the second dhyāna upwards, there is neither initial awareness nor sustained observation. "Initial awareness" (jue) refers to the perception of states or realms, involving mental activity with thought. "Sustained observation" (guan) is akin to illumination; it lacks the analytical activity of the conscious mind. The conscious mind remains unmoving, yet there is still passive knowing. Above the second dhyāna, the five consciousnesses (associated with the senses) cease, but the mental consciousness (mano-vijñāna) does not cease. There exists a very subtle knowing, but without the capacity for introspection. One does not know that one knows; it is as if all have ceased.