What are the ways a meditator might mistake the mind entering the Bhavanga states as Nibbana?

Question

It is said that when the mind enters Nibbana, the body and mind process ceases(Nama-rupa nirodha). This non-experience sounds somewhat similar to what we experience in deep, dreamless sleep(continuously arising Bhavanga cittas) where one does not have a sense of time and existence until one awakes in the morning.

I've heard that there are about 5 to 6 ways that a meditator might mistake the mind entering such prolonged states of Bhavanga as Nibbana.  Ex: due to extreme Viriya(energy) the mind enters prolonged Bhavanga states during meditation. Another is due to heightened Passadhi(calmness).

This is said to be explained in detail in one of the books by venerable Mahasi Saydaw. I'm looking for the book and the section where this is explained.

Thank you!

Comments

That sounds very interesting.  What is this Viraya (energy)?

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Viriya is mental energy or effort. Laziness is the opposite.

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Does it arrive from long periods of concentration?

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No. Its proximate cause is a sense of urgency

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Thanks.  A sense of urgency during meditation? From desire to reach a goal?

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Possibly. It could also be due to seeing the danger in Samsara. More details maybe found in the book I'm referring to in the question

Answer 1

Can you provide more information on what books you've already checked? Makes it easier for others to help.

I also like to add that someone will know that Nibbana happened, for lack of better way putting it. Things change permanently on a deep level. That change doesn't happen with bhavanga. So, there are clear differences that can be known. Not just change, the content of the moments before and after are also different.

So, if someone would ask me whether (s)he 'was in Nibbana' I would point to the defilements. Are they still there? If yes, then more work has to be done. Nibbana itself is, in that sense, not that interesting. Only the presence of the hindrances is. With that approach there is no need for a book.  Something to consider.