Perceptionless absorption

Perceptionless absorption (Skt. asaṃjñi-samāpatti; Wyl. 'du shes med pa'i snyoms 'jug) is one of the fourteen non-concurrent formations mentioned in the Treasury of Abhidharma. It is a state of meditative absorption in which the six sense consciousnesses are temporarily brought to a halt, ultimately resulting in rebirth as a perceptionless god. The Treasury of Abhidharma describes the absorption as a trap that is to be avoided by buddhist meditators, although it is cultivated by some non-buddhist traditions of yoga, where it is mistaken for a form of liberation.

Alternative Translations

• absorption without perception (Padmakara)
• conceptionless equilibrium
• perceptionless serenity