Dimensions of the ‘Body’ in Tranquility Meditation

An examination of early Buddhist tranquility meditation texts reveals that the Indic term kāya, usually translated as 'body,' covers a broader range of somatic experiences than simple materiality. In critical dialogue with Eviatar Shulman, the author explores the mind-made body conjured through supernormal feats, mindful contemplation of bodily dimensions during absorption states, and the transition to immaterial spheres. The patterns suggest kāya encompasses a continuum from gross physicality to subtle embodiments. Even after complete transcendence of materiality, the term kāya can still be used to describe direct, personal experience in immaterial states.

Study at a glance

Abstract

AbstractA perusal of selected forms of early Buddhist tranquility meditation brings to light the complexity of the roles assumed by the Indic term kāya, usually translated as “body,” which corresponds to the domain of the first establishment of mindfulness. The present exploration of such complexity, which proceeds in critical dialogue with positions taken by Eviatar Shulman, covers the significance of the supernormal feat of conjuring up a mind-made body, the mindful contemplation of the somatic dimensions of absorption attainment, and the transition from these to the immaterial spheres. The patterns of early Buddhist thought that emerge in this way make it preferable to understand the compass of the term kāya to cover a continuum of somatic experiences that can range from gross materiality to more subtle types of embodiments. Even immaterial experiences, based on the complete transcendence of materiality, can still be conceptualized with the help of the term kāya in a phrase that serves to convey direct and personal experience.