The Expanding Map of Mental States

The Expanding Map of Mental States

What it feels like: Phenomenology, transitions, thresholds

This is a living document. It grows by small fragments and never feels complete.

Focused Absorption

Focused absorption refers to a concentrated mental state characterized by single-pointed attention and reduced peripheral awareness.

It is generally associated with what it feels like practices.

The precise boundaries remain under investigation.

See also: breath-counting · body-scanning

Equanimity

Equanimity refers to a balanced mental state characterized by even-minded acceptance regardless of pleasant or unpleasant conditions.

It is generally associated with what it feels like practices.

The precise boundaries remain under investigation.

See also: breath-counting · body-scanning

Rapture

Rapture refers to an intensely pleasurable mental state often arising during deep concentration, characterized by waves of bliss.

It is generally associated with what it feels like practices.

The precise boundaries remain under investigation.

See also: breath-counting · body-scanning

Luminosity

Luminosity refers to a quality of awareness itself appearing as inner brightness or clarity independent of visual perception.

It is generally associated with what it feels like practices.

The precise boundaries remain under investigation.

See also: breath-counting · body-scanning

Stillness

Stillness refers to a tranquil mental state characterized by reduced mental activity and profound inner quietude.

It is generally associated with what it feels like practices.

The precise boundaries remain under investigation.

See also: breath-counting · body-scanning

Pre-Verbal Knowing

Pre-verbal knowing refers to a direct apprehension that precedes conceptual elaboration.

It is generally associated with what it feels like practices.

The precise boundaries remain under investigation.

See also: breath-counting · npnasati · meditation-experience

Serenity

Serenity refers to a settled mental state characterized by profound calm and contentment.

It is generally associated with what it feels like practices.

The precise boundaries remain under investigation.

See also: breath-counting · npnasati · meditation-experience

Dissolution

Dissolution refers to a progressive softening of subject-object distinctions.

It is generally associated with what it feels like practices.

The precise boundaries remain under investigation.

See also: breath-counting · npnasati · meditation-experience

Boundlessness

Boundlessness refers to an expansive mental state characterized by dissolution of perceived spatial limits.

It is generally associated with what it feels like practices.

The precise boundaries remain under investigation.

See also: breath-counting · npnasati · meditation-experience

Status: Incomplete by design.

Last updated: 2026-07-08 | Entries: 9