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In Buddhism, samapatti refers to spiritual attainments that follow the four stages of dhyana (meditative absorption). These stages involve progressively deeper states of consciousness, moving from awareness of infinite space and cognition to contemplating the unreality of things and the nature of unreality itself.1

While samapatti are considered trancelike states, they are distinct from the ultimate goal of nirvana, which requires the insight of wisdom. Buddhist meditation, encompassing practices like samapatti, aims for spiritual freedom and shares similarities with Hindu meditation traditions, reflecting a common heritage in ancient India. The practice of dhyana (meditation) became so central in some East Asian traditions that it developed into distinct schools like Chan and Zen Buddhism.1

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. samadhi
  2. Buddhist meditation

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